Hey, everyone. If you're reading my story, Tangles, then know that I should have an update out soon. In the meantime, this is a quick story I managed to squeeze in. It is a short story, and follows Rapunzel as though she had never been captured by Mother Gothel. It begins when Rapunzel is eight, and Flynn is nine. I hope that you enjoy it.

By the way, I was inspired by the song "Danny, Dakota, and The Wishing Well" by A Silent Film.

Please, please leave a review. This story is only a few chapters long, so every single review counts.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything having to do with Tangled. All original characters and story lines belong to moi.

Enjoy! :)

Far across the roaring, foamy sea, and carefully wedged on the glorious shore, was the castle of Corona. The sunrise was beginning steadily, the long, golden fingers of light stretching across the landscape and offering warmth and hope for the coming day. Inside of the towering building, was a young girl strung across her bed. Her feet were swinging back and forth in the air, her long, beautiful blonde hair forming around her rosy cheeks and streaming down her slender back. Her eyes, a piercing green, were locked in fierce contemplation as she thoughtfully chewed on a pencil, tapping her finger against the side of a velvet notebook as she focused solely on her drawing. When each detail of the final result popped into her mind, the lead would find itself on the leaf of paper, seeming to have a mind of its own as the utensil curved and moved with a strange grace. As she fell deeper into its hypnosis, her tongue barely sticking out of her mouth, she was interrupted by a soft knocking on the door. Her head whipped up, and she quickly scrambled out of her position to shove the book beneath one of the cotton pillows just as the door opened. The figure who waltzed into her bedroom was instantly recognized as the maidservant, Sophie. Her brown hair, pulled back tightly in a bun, framed her heat shaped face and brought out her icy blue eyes.

"Good morning, Rapunzel. It's nice to see you are already awake." She murmured kindly as she made her way to the closet.

Rapunzel let out a puff of air, blowing some of her bangs out of her eyes. "I don't want to go to school today, Sophie." She crossed her arms, a defiant frown plastered to her small mouth. "I want to stay up here."

There was a small clatter of metal against metal before the young princess heard a muffled response. "I know that, dear, but it's your mother and father's orders. And besides," Sophie walked out of the closet, holding a gown in one hand and a pair of shoes in another, her brow carefully raised. "your education is a priority. You know how important it is for your future."

Rapunzel rolled her eyes. "I know, but I want to play outside. I want to make some friends. All I have is you and Beary." She stated glumly, gesturing to the worn teddy bear that sat mere feet away.

Sophie smiled sadly. "I'm sorry, Rapunzel. I wish I could do something about it, but I'm afraid, for now, you just have to be a good girl and go to school. Now, let me get this dress on you."

The dress was a light pink satin, with crosses of white playing across the front, and thin straps leading to frills on her back. It took only a few minutes to have her ready, and Sophie was soon leading the princess down the stairs and into a separate room on the first floor.

"I'll see you soon, okay?" Sophie said happily, and gave an encouraging pat on the shoulder before leaving Rapunzel with the teacher. Her wide eyes gazed up at the woman she had never gotten used to. Her name was Ezmerelda, and she was a large woman who always wore red or purple gowns, thick, colorful eyeshadow, and bright red lipstick. Her small gaze bore down on Rapunzel with thick criticism.

"Take a seat, and we'll begin today's lesson." She ordered.

Rapunzel quickly obeyed, choosing the only desk that was available. She folded her hands on the wood, trying to keep her back as straight as possible.

Miss Ezmerelda coughed, and Rapunzel could only flush with embarrassment before remembering the routine. She took a small breath before speaking.

"As is the way of royalty, I will remember to always maintain a straight posture, proper etiquette, and app-applicable language. I will strive to be a... responsible, appropriate, charming young lady, and remember my future duties as the leader of Corona...my home and stronghold." Rapunzel bit her tongue at the many times she made a mistake.

Miss Ezmerelda scribbled down a few words on a sheet of paper. "I see you've studied, but perhaps not enough. If you are certain with your words, you are certain with annunciation. Am I not right when I say this?"

"Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry." Rapunzel mumbled.

"Hmph." the teacher breathed. "For our lesson today, we will learn about silverware at meals. As you see on your desk, there is an entire set of cutlery that is placed just as it will be at any feast."

Rapunzel had already seen it, and touched one of the many spoons in simple curiosity.

"Take note of the position of each utensil, because each as its specific purpose." Miss Ezmerelda continued. "We will begin at the first spoon, which-"

There was a short rapping at the door, and Rapunzel soon saw her mother in the door frame. The Queen smiled at her daughter before turning her attention to the teacher.

"I apologize for disturbing you, Miss Ezmerelda, but may I speak with you privately? It's rather important."

The educator straightened up a bit, plastering a fake smile to her mouth. "No problem at all, your Highness. I'll be right out." She began walking forward, but right before she exited the room, turned and muttered a few instructions.

"Rapunzel, in the meantime, you can read from your textbook over the European courting history. I'll expect a summary when I return."

And she was gone, leaving the young princess alone.

She sighed, taking a volume from beneath her desk and opening it to the proper page. She scanned it quickly, but soon felt a small tug of deceit playing through her mind. She grasped it, and shutting her book, rose from her desk. She quickly made her way to the door, hesitating. Nevertheless, Rapunzel opened the door, and peeked around the corner. She saw the familiar pair near the end of the hall, trapped in a conversation she couldn't hear. Silently stepping through the doorway, she quickly shut it and dashed in the opposite direction, slipping around a corner.

Rapunzel smiled.

She had escaped her personal torture chamber. Now, she would go to her peaceful place.

"He doesn't have the guts."

There was a flash of movement as a young boy whipped around, facing a small group of children that had appeared in the alley behind him. The head of the assembly had his arms crossed, his blonde hair tousled from not being brushed in days. Dirt smeared his pale face, but his devious grin threw the little boy off.

"What do you want, Dominic?" Flynn demanded, his wind-blown locks falling in his face. His bottom lip jutted out in irritation.

Dominic laughed. "Well, well, well. Look what we got here, boys."

The group snickered, and Flynn felt his cheeks flush in annoyance.

"We were just talking about you, Flynn, and I told them you couldn't do it."

Where Flynn had once been crouched over, he now stood up, still falling a few inches shorter than his rival. "Do what?"

Dominic shrugged, taking a step closer. "Ah, nothing really. Just something having to do with getting into trouble."

"Is that supposed to scare me?"

"No." Dominic retorted. "Just shows how you would do anything for attention...or food."

Flynn's stomach seemed to jump at the thought. The last time he had eaten was the day before, and it was some stale bread that had been thrown out of the bakery.

"Tell me." Flynn demanded.

Dominic laughed again, and this time peered around the corner of the alley, leaning over Flynn.

"You see that fruit stand over there?" He asked, pointing. Flynn instantly recognized the salesperson with a feeling of dread. His name was Boron, and was perhaps one of the largest men in Corona. He was very protective over his goods, and there was a rumor inside Dominic's group that he imprisoned any kids that tried to steal his fruit. When he had them in his house, he would plant them alive, and when this happened, some of the best, ripest apples were grown.

Flynn nodded. "What about it?"

Dominic grinned. "Boron just put out some new apples an hour ago. Some of the ripest I've seen. Take one, I dare you."

Flynn was fast to shake his head. "No. No way. If you wanna risk your tail for some stupid apple, I'll wait for you to do it first."

A simple shrug was his response. "Okay, then. I guess that just proves how much of a sissy you are." He turned, looking to his followers. "See, guys? I told you he couldn't do it."

Flynn pursed his lips, taking another glance at the fruit stand. He knew that he could get into a lot of trouble; his record was already full.

But one apple couldn't hurt.

"I'll do it."

Dominic's lips quirked at the corners. "I'm proud of you, Flynn. I'll make sure to keep your bravery in mind."

Flynn rolled his eyes, and taking a small breath, dashed out into the open walkway. He made his way along the wall, crouching low to the ground. He saw Boron turned away from him, speaking to another customer, and momentarily distracted. Flynn eased up to the basket of apples that was just out of reach, and carefully leaned toward it. He plucked one of the fruits from the collection, but watched with utter horror as many more came tumbling down, hitting the ground with individual thuds.

Boron immediately turned, spotting the young Flynn in the middle of his act.

"Hey!" The man called, but the word had barely left his mouth when Flynn took off, a blur of movement as he charged away from sure punishment. He could hear the pounding of footsteps behind him as Boron followed right on Flynn's heels, only causing the young boy to surge forward. He snaked his way around many villagers, most turning and giving small cries of irritation. But Flynn held no care or sorrow for them, only enforced a path through the village paths. He risked a look behind him, realizing with minimal joy that Boron was beginning to fall behind. Flynn peered ahead, running across a bridge that brought him to a portion of the village closer to the castle. He noticed a line of shrubs that blocked off any possible sight beyond, and taking a risk, jumped aside and into the safety of the bushes. He peeked through the branches and leaves, feeling a triumphant surge when he saw Boron run past, completely unaware that he had passed the culprit.

Flynn laughed softly, gasping for breath as he lightly tossed the apple into the air. He finally turned, only to be taken aback at where he found himself.

He was in a large garden, with thick green grass stretching across acres of land. Patches of bright flowers were everywhere, lining cobblestone paths and growing alongside white statues of birds and lawn gnomes. Placed in the center of the courtyard was a gleaming fountain, spraying water high into the air. He noticed the castle of Corona just above a gently rolling hill a short distance away, as glorious up close as it was from a distance.

He took a few steps forward, his eyes wide in awe. It was hard for him to admit, but despite everything being completely breathtaking, he was drawn to a wishing well that sat off to the side of the garden. It was a faded yellow, with a brown, wooden pail hung just over the crater that was unevenly carved in the center. It was surrounded by the green grass, and he thought it was one of the most interesting things he had seen yet.

Flynn stopped dead in his tracks when a sudden realization sank in. He somehow hadn't noticed that carefully perched over the side of the well, gazing into the water, was a young girl. From the back, he could clearly see her long, blonde hair that fell down her back, and he was reminded of a waterfall. Her dress was flowing gently in the breeze, its pink colors bright and lovely.

His thoughts were interrupted when she whipped around, a small gasp escaping her mouth as she gripped the sides of the well with her hands.

Her wide eyes were a fierce green, boring into him with shock, curiosity, and even fear. Flynn retaliated, taking a step back. Despite his youthful pride, he discerned that she was absolutely beautiful.

"What are you doing here?" She demanded.

Flynn stood still, rooted to the spot and unable to respond.

She took a breath. "Well? Aren't you going to say something?"

"Um, yah." Flynn said. "I'll...I'll be going now." He turned, but was suddenly stopped by her voice breaking through the silence.

"Don't go! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to chase you off."

Flynn looked over his shoulder, his brows burrowed. "Wait, you're not mad?"

A look of confusion passed over her features. "What would I be mad for?"

Flynn shrugged. "Well, you don't know who I am, I've just broken onto your property, and..." He trailed.

"You just surprised me, that's all." She responded. "And it's nice to have company. I hardly ever see kids my age."

Flynn didn't respond at first, finally admitting a fact that he had tried to refuse moments before.

"But you're the princess."

She shrugged. "So? What does that have to do with anything?"

He was thrown off guard by how easily she overlooked that truth. "It just...doesn't seem like you'd want to be around me. I mean, I'm poor, you're rich. I'm nobody, you're royalty."

She sighed, rubbing her arm. "Everybody's a somebody, and...I wish I wasn't everything you said I am." She sank to the ground, her expression fallen with true sadness. Flynn pursed his lips, but finally made up his mind. He shortened the distance between them in a few strides and carefully sat next to her.

"I'm sorry you feel that way, but I'd love to live life the way you do." Flynn said softly.

She laughed under a short breath. "And I'd do anything to live like you. I hate being a princess. There's so much work, and boring classes, and fancy outfits, and a bunch of people who expect so much out of me. And I still don't know what I'm really supposed to do." She brought her knees under her chin, hugging her legs.

"It can't be that bad." Flynn responded.

She dug her face into her thighs, her voice muffled. "Today, I would have had a class over spoons if I hadn't run away."

Flynn couldn't hide the look of disgust. "That's terrible."

She laughed again, finally glancing at him. "What's your name?"

Flynn didn't answer right away. For the first time he could remember, he actually considered answering with Eugene. Eugene Fitzherbert, but felt his cheeks warm at how ridiculous it sounded. With a small amount of shame, he finally decided to give his normal response.

"Flynn." He said. "Flynn Rider."

She smiled. "Huh. Never heard a name like that before."

He returned it. "And you?"

She gave a sheepish grin. "Rapunzel."

"And I've never heard a name like that before." Flynn responded.

Rapunzel giggled, and quickly stood up.

"I want to show you something." She said. "Wait one second." She dashed off, disappearing behind a line of bushes. She reappeared moments later, clutching something in her palm With her free hand, she grabbed Flynn's fingers and pulled him over to the wishing well. He accidentally dropped the apple in the quick movement.

"What are we doing?" He asked, staring down at his shadowed reflection in the clear water.

"Here." She said, and opened her hand to represent two small stones, smooth and cool to the touch. Flynn stared at it as though it were a jewel.

"My dad used to tell me that if you find a rock just like these, squeeze them really hard, tap it three times, and throw it into the water, your greatest, most sincere wish will come true." Rapunzel explained with calm glee. "You're the only person besides me and my dad that knows."

"So this is a magic wishing well?" Flynn asked, intrigued.

Rapunzel nodded. "Yup. You ready?"

Flynn smiled. "Yes."

He began the ritual, not able to resist watching Rapunzel as she squeezed her eyes shut as hard as she could, holding the stone with equal strength. Flynn felt his cheeks redden at how pretty he thought she was, but realized that pretty wasn't enough to describe her. She was much, much more than that.

He looked away, making his wish just as Rapunzel opened her eyes. Together, they tossed the small rocks into the well, hearing the satisfying plop as they struck the water below. Flynn and Rapunzel exchanged smiles, both pleased with the moment they shared.

Yet, a voice broke through their thoughts, and Rapunzel and Flynn gazed up at the castle where the words were coming from.

"Rapunzel! Your parents need you right now!"

The princess sighed. "I need to go."

Flynn felt a wave of disappointment drown him. "Oh. Okay."

Rapunzel stared at him. "Will I be able to see you again?"

"I don't know." Flynn admitted sadly. "I hope so."

"How about tomorrow? I'll try and be out here at the same time." Rapunzel offered, hopeful.

Flynn grinned. "I'll be here."

He glanced to the ground, catching sight of the apple he had dropped minutes before.

"Rapunzel, close your eyes and hold out you hands." He instructed kindly.

She raised a brow, but nevertheless, let her eyes close. Her palms rose up expectantly.

He picked up the apple, brushing off some of the dirt with his fingertips. After a moment of assuring it was clean, he placed it in Rapunzel's hands. Her gaze appeared, staring down at the fruit with a smile.

"It's not much, but it's all I have." He stated.

Rapunzel blushed softly, but stared at the apple as though it was the greatest gift she could have ever received.

"I love it. Thank you, Flynn."

"Rapunzel!" The call was repeated.

She rolled her eyes, but grinned. "Bye, Flynn. See you soon."

Flynn had just enough time to return the salutation, before Rapunzel turned on her heel and ran up the hill, soon disappearing from his sight.

He stood motionless for a while, letting all that had just occurred truly sink in, before feeling the corners of his mouth raise.

Before he left, he looked back more than once.

The next day, Rapunzel found herself free of any classes. Truly happy, she immediately departed from the castle and went to the garden. She stood by the wishing well, jittery from the excitement of seeing Flynn again, but she soon calmed as the minutes ticked by.

The minutes evolved into an hours, and finally, Rapunzel realized with a sickening dread that Flynn wasn't coming.

She would continue for many days to come to the garden, but she would never see her friend. Yet her memories kept her returning, and every day, she would wait by the wishing well. By that stone hole in the ground she would try and keep the hope alive, but it was hopeless.

Before she knew it, days became weeks.

Weeks became months.

And still, she waited.

The End.

No! No! I'm just kidding! That's just the first chapter, there's a few more to come, because, after all, this is just a short story.

It's sad, isn't it? But Flynn has his ways, and he might surprise you. ;)

Just as a side note, if you're wondering what Miss Ezmerelda and the Queen were discussing, Rapunzel's mother believed that her studies should become less frequent, and be more focused on practical matters. Things that could be more useful, besides spoons and dress code. XD

Anyway, please, please leave a review. I'm hoping for at least 50 reviews for a total of 10 or less chapters.

Fairfarren, for now. :)