Disclaimer: Any use of the title, dialogue, and plot is strictly prohibited. Tangled is owned by Disney and Bruno Mars owns Just the Way You Are.
The sun's warmth caressed Rapunzel's cheek as she listened to the sweet birdsong in the quiet of the castle gardens. Far off in the distance seagulls cried as they flew overhead scavenging for food. The sound of the ocean's crashing waves intermingled with the guardhouse bell's chiming and unloading of cargo from ships passing through the port.
Even though it was a glorious day, Rapunzel couldn't help but feel distraught.
She was recalling the day she had persuaded Gothel to take her to see the lanterns. She remembered Gothel saying she saw a strong, confident, beautiful young lady—who Rapunzel assumed—was her. The more she thought about it, however, the more it bothered and saddened her. Rapunzel realized Gothel wasn't talking about her and that gothel was using those words to refer to herself.
How could she had fallen for such lies? Had she really been gullible to believe every word Gothel spoke when she knew those words weren't meant for her? There was no way she could have figured out that the woman who claimed to be her mother would end up being an egoist because of the mask hiding her true colors.
Eugene, who was sitting next to the princess, turned to look toward her. He saw Rapunzel's despondent expression and knew something was troubling her. Although Rapunzel did not speak about Gothel, Eugene judged by the dejected look her face that it had something to do with her.
Eugene cleared his throat and turned toward Rapunzel. "Are you okay?"
Rapunzel considered her answer before responding. Finally she said, "Eugene, do you think I'm beautiful?"
"Yes, Rapunzel. Not only on the outside, but on the inside as well."
He looked over to see Rapunzel's eyes filled with tears. "Rapunzel," he consoled gently, pulling her close, "please tell me what's wrong."
Rapunzel explained what had been on her mind and Eugene listened reverently.
After she was finished, Eugene pulled her close and the princess dried her tears on his sleeve.
"Rapunzel," he said softly, "you are the most beautiful girl I've seen and I mean it. What Gothel doesn't realize is that you're the most compassionate person I've met. You're a kind individual who sees the good in people and is always optimistic. You never cease to go out of your way to help others and have qualities I admire. Unfortunately, because of the society we live in, not everyone sees who you truly are. But I do and will prove those people wrong. I'll knock some sense into them with a frying pan. Maybe then they'll see."
At this Rapunzel smiled and embraced him, a chuckle escaping her lips. "Thank you, Eugene."
After a few minutes Eugene said, "You know I love you and wouldn't change anything about you."
"I know."
"Do you know why? Because you're amazing the way you are."