Alright, here we go! An extremely late, dated update, which is actually the next to last one for this whole story. I'm going to cry. :'(

Anyway, have an eight month late chapter. Cheers.

Note: this chapter takes place four years after the previous chapter. This means Rapunzel is thirteen, and Eugene is fourteen.

Also, now that Rapunzel and Eugene have spent a lot of time together, and they both have feelings for each other, starting now, there will be a little bit of fluff. If it's too over the top for a friendship, I'm sorry.


Four years later


Beside the wishing well, the movement of rich grass was being interrupted by a patchwork quilt strewn across the ground. Clashing against the dark green and pastel squares was a river of golden blonde hair that twisted and formed around the two bodies of Rapunzel and Eugene. She, resting her head against her friend's forearm, had long since escaped from her studies, and now spent most of her afternoons in this very spot to be with her only true companion. Today, the hours had gone by almost too fast, completely taken up with the laughter, conversation, and games between the two friends. A lone picnic basket sat off to the side, having been mostly emptied from the mysterious boy that could never manage to scrounge up a good meal.

Not that Rapunzel minded.

Eugene brushed some of his dark hair aside, soon moving his finger to play with one of Rapunzel's long locks.

"So how did your studies go today?" He asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

Rapunzel's eyes mysteriously glazed in a strange emotion, but it quickly disappeared. She shrugged softly.

"They were alright, I guess..." She responded carefully, sitting up.

He stared at her, confused. He shifted so that he was leaning on his side, supporting his body with his arm. "But?"

She sighed, her gaze forlorn. She answered him slowly. "Well, I learned about courtship and its guidelines for royalty members. From what I've gathered, my parents are wanting me to become more aware of my duties as a princess...which includes my marriage."

Eugene could practically feel the aura of disappointment and sadness that consumed his...the... princess. Then again, he couldn't ignore the deep burn that hummed in his chest as he wrapped his mind around what Rapunzel was saying. He was unable to hold back the thought that she was to be engaged to some duke or prince when she became of age...not some filthy commoner.

His thoughts were interrupted by Rapunzel's sad gaze meeting his. He wanted to just lose himself in her eyes, to tell her out how much he wished he could make her happy, but he couldn't find the courage.

He settled with a rather unintelligent response.

"But you're only thirteen."

The princess's lips drew into a thin line. "I don't really have a choice or say in the matter, Eugene."

Her dear friend stared at the picnic blanket, unable to conjure up a reply that wouldn't confuse her emotions. He loved her too much to try and distract her from her duties as future Queen of Corona.

Rapunzel sniffed. "But it doesn't matter now. Let's not worry over such things." She said a little too quickly. She smiled softly, though it didn't reach her eyes. She sat up and reached into the picnic basket, rummaging through its contents.

Eugene looked up at her. "What are you doing?"

Rapunzel gave a little gasp of victory, and she soon pulled out a small notebook and pencil that he had failed to notice in the box before.

"I want to draw you." She replied with an air of confidence. She placed her book in her lap, flipping to a free page and poising the utensil in her fingers. Her eyes met his expectantly.

"Oh, well, okay." He said, slightly flattered. He straightened his back, and began to twist his face into some sort of expression between a smirk and a silly smile. Rapunzel's gaze flicked from him, to her book, and back to him again.

"What is that?" She asked, laughing.

Eugene's face broke into a small pout. "It's my smolder! I've been working on it." He huffed.

Rapunzel shook her head. "I want to draw you, Eugene, not whatever...that...was."

The boy rolled his eyes. "Fine. I won't do my smolder. I always knew you wouldn't be able to handle it, anyway."

Rapunzel grinned, smacking him playfully with her notebook. She waited as he repositioned himself, once again settling back into his previous stance and expression. The princess's gaze hardened in annoyance, but decided against saying anything. She settled into a comfortable spot, and with a small breath, began to draw.

Her pencil rose and fell in sure, even strokes, and she fell into its hypnosis as every detail of her friend became one with the paper. Eugene couldn't help but gaze at her out of the corner of his eye, finding her concentration truly interesting. The way her blonde bangs fell in a pool around her arms and landed on her notebook, and how her eyes locked in complete artistic determination as she drew, he couldn't help but notice how his heart beat just a little faster. She was so utterly perfect.

He shook his head at himself, and tried to focus on the water fountain in the distance as a simple distraction.

He didn't know how much time had passed. It could have been five minutes, it could have been two hours, but he was suddenly broken out of his reverie by Rapunzel's soft voice.

"Done."

His body relaxed, and he did a small stretch before shifting in Rapunzel's direction. He expected to see a pleased princess as she stared at her work, but was quite shocked to see her staring at the notebook with a rather disappointed frown.

"So...are you going to let me see it?" Eugene asked.

She responded with a small shake of her head, glancing up at him.

"No. Not yet."


The following day, Rapunzel was a little later than usual, but she did it with intention.

She had come out of the castle slowly, Eugene's picnic basket hanging in the crook of her elbow, and a picnic blanket in the other. She was rounding the corner of one of the trimmed hedges when she caught sight of her friend.

He sat beside the wishing well several yards away, with his palms against the grass, and his whole body relaxed as he bathed in the warm sun. His eyes were slightly closed, his hair was slightly tousled, and Rapunzel couldn't help but smile to herself.

This was what she had been late for.

She put down the picnic basket and the blanket, and settled onto the ground. Pulling out her sketchpad once again, she drew the real Eugene Fitzherbert.

The young princess finished rather quickly, and she took a moment to gaze at the final product with pleasure before gathering Eugene's lunch and walking to the wishing well. The minute he saw her coming, his expression of innocence and thoughtfulness disappeared.

"Hey, there you are." He said, grinning. Rapunzel put the blanket and basket beside Eugene before sitting down beside him. She pulled out her notebook and opened it to her most recent addition.

"That is you." She said, tapping a delicate finger against the leaf of paper. "That is who you are, Eugene."

He stared down at the picture, his lips quirking softly at the corners. She had captured every little detail possible. She had found the small crinkle against his eyes, the way his hair fell around his eyes; even the angles and arches of his cheekbones. He almost grinned at the thought at how carefully she must have studied him, and he suddenly felt like she knew him in ways like no one else, both inside and out. It was...comforting.

"You are really something, Blondie." He said, his eyes meeting hers beneath his long eyelashes. He seemed to be in thought about something, not saying anything for a moment before finally standing up.

"Let's go somewhere." He stated, smiling. He held out his hands to her.

Rapunzel giggled as she placed the notebook down and accepted his hands, being easily lifted from the ground.

"Where?" She asked.

A sly smile appeared on Eugene's lips. "There's a little party in town tonight., and I want you to go with me."

Rapunzel's once happy demeanor slowly morphed into one of simple uncertainty.

"I...I don't know, Eugene..."

"Come on, Rapunzel, live a little. You still have your cloak, don't you?" He asked.

"Well, yes, but we can't have another incident like last time." She pointed out.

Eugene paused at this, his gaze hardening. "That will never happened again." He assured. After a moment, he continued, offering a sheepish smile. "But haven't you ever been to one of Corona's festivals before?"

"Actually, no." The young princess answered grimly. "I'm not exactly allowed to venture out of the castle without an escort."

"You're kidding." Eugene breathed, baffled. Rapunzel frowned in response, and he quickly realized his mistake.

"Then this is a good time for something new." He grinned, but Rapunzel wouldn't respond. "Come on, please?" He begged, lightly touching her shoulders. "You don't want me to go by myself, do you?" He bent his neck to look at her low gaze. After a moment of staring, Eugene's work payed off. Rapunzel smiled, rolling her eyes.

"Fine. I'll go." She said, playfully shoving him away. "I need to get a few things first." She continued, turning towards the castle. "I'll be right back."

As she walked away, Rapunzel mentally scolded herself.

The things you let him do to you, she thought amusingly.


Rapunzel wasn't the one to break rules. She didn't find any pride or self-worth in getting in trouble, especially when it put her responsibility in question. Yet, despite that, she couldn't help but feel a swell of devious joy in her chest as she slipped through the hedges that divided the royal garden from the rest of Corona. She almost laughed aloud as she and Eugene crossed the bridge that rose over a small river, before continuing down the cobblestone pathway that led to the village. Even from a good distance, she could clearly see the amount of celebration taking place, and in almost a dream-like state, soon found herself in the middle of it.

The evening had brought a pale, dim glow over the landscape, causing the many strings of lanterns that overlapped the sidewalks to light her world in iridescent colors and textures. Music could be heard in practically every direction, many people stopping in the middle of the road to dance and play to the fast, excited beats. She was aware of the aromas. So intoxicating were the open shops that withheld baked goods, that could be identified as anything from danishes, to ice cream, to cinnamon sticks. She even came across games being played away from the main hub of activity. There were cards being thrown, small coins being gambled, and cries of victory or defeat being shouted to the sky.

Everywhere Rapunzel looked, she would find something new, and the joy of being around it all was exhilarating. She had never felt so free before.

"So what do you want to do first?" Eugene asked, grinning at her.

It was this question alone that spiraled the night into a fantastic blur. Later, Rapunzel would look back and remember dragging Eugene into a library, where she would show him all that she learned in her classes. The young princess would pull out books of geography, and tell her friends all the places she would visit in the future. Before it was too dark, they would flee the quiet halls of books, and Rapunzel would find herself pouring her artistic talents in the very center of the labyrinth of cobblestone paths. Her mark would be made on the town with the crescent of the golden sun, intertwined with purple swirls and flowers that left people breathless with the sight. Throughout the night, Rapunzel would purchase small items. It ranged anywhere from small flags, to little treats, to quaint nicknacks. Everything about the carnival was simply perfect.

But one thing set the bar over everything else. Near the closing of the carnival, in the middle of a song several of the townspeople gathered to listen to, a gruff voice suddenly broke through the noise.

"To the boats!"

Eugene immediately beamed, his eyes alight. Many of the people around them began to disperse, all of them walking in the river's direction. Rapunzel was completely baffled at everyone's joyful reactions. She glanced over at Eugene, her brows burrowing and her eyes full of questions.

"What is that man talking about?" She asked.

Eugene took her hand in his, leading her, and began to follow the congregation, leaving Rapunzel's question hanging in the air. She was slightly annoyed, being so clueless to the meaning of everyone's sudden excitement, but she was very aware of the fact that Eugene wanted this to also be a surprise. So for this reason, she held quiet during the short journey to the docks. There, she saw a harbor filled with small boats, each large enough to hold at least four individuals. As the townspeople began to crowd into the heavy canoes. It didn't take very long for Rapunzel and Eugene to reserve their own, and by the time the sun had set over the horizon, they were casually drifting in the calm waters of the lake.

Rapunzel flicked her green eyes to Eugene, a teasing smile touching her mouth.

"So now will you tell me what we're doing?" She asked.

Eugene rolled his eyes. "You're not very good with surprises are you?"

She stared at him levelly, her smirk fading into a small frown. Eugene immediately noticed.

"I'm sorry." He apologized quickly. "I didn't mean to upset-"

"It's not you, Eugene. Never you." She interrupted softly. "It's just..." She gave a small sigh, pursing her lips. "I've always been treated like a delicate little princess, like I have no other purpose except to lead a kingdom." A pause, then, "You are the first and only one to treat me like a real person, and...I'm really thankful for that Eugene."

He smiled. "That's what friends are for, right?"

The corner of Rapunzel's mouth lifted, but before she was given the time to answer, an orb of warm light drifted out of one of the boats nearby, catching her attention. She watched with transfixed awe as a paper lantern drifted over the surface of the water, slowly rising into the air with gentle grace. It wasn't long before the boats nearby illuminated the night, even more lanterns being released in the air to join the journey.

"Eugene!" She cried, grinning as she jumped to the other side of the boat. It shifted dangerously to the right, and he laughed aloud as he steadied it. "Eugene, look!" She exclaimed, pointing to the hundreds of lanterns that were floating all around them.

He smiled a crooked grin, his eyes following her every move as she awed at the sight around them. Her gaze was alight and glowing from the lanterns' reflections, and Eugene felt his cheeks warm as it did every time he laid his eyes on her.

A thought crossed his mind, and he reached under the wooden seat to grab an unlit folded lantern from beneath the seat. He had almost forgotten about it, and was quick to stretch out the paper until he had a full lantern balancing in his palm.

Rapunzel caught sight of this, and beamed as she came across the boat to settle on the seat in front of Eugene, their knees barely touching. She watched with intense curiosity as he took out a small matchbook, and with a few flourishing movements, lit the wick and handed the glowing item to her.

She took it happily, but paused just before she was about to release it.

"Let's release it together." She offered.

Eugene smiled as she placed her smooth fingertips against his calloused ones, soaking in the slight warmth they had to offer. The lantern drifted just above their palms, and Rapunzel gave one of her dazzling smiles as a signal. At once, they pushed the lantern up into the sky, watching it dance along before disappearing into the throng.

In the simple joyous action, both had failed to notice that their hands had rested on top of one another's after releasing the lantern. The top of Rapunzel's fingers were being covered and warmed by Eugene's, and despite the blush that threatened their cheeks, neither made an attempt to move. Rapunzel gazed up at him from beneath her lashes, her green eyes staring at him expectantly as a small smile appeared on her mouth.

Eugene cleared his throat, too nervous to meet her gaze. "Rapunzel, I..." He trailed, and he could practically feel the expectation coming off of the princess. He knew that if he wanted to say or admit anything, this was the time. He could taste the words on his tongue, but his fear clogged his throat, and he swallowed his confession with it.

"I'm really glad you came with me." He said, forcing a small, almost sad, smile. He slid his hands off of Rapunzel's, settling them in his lap instead.

She stared at him with slight disappointment, her eyes dropping very slightly. Eugene knew he was selfish, but Rapunzel was a good enough person to simply return the smile, not making any comment toward whatever had just happened between them.

"I am, too." She answered evenly.


Later that night, Eugene walked Rapunzel back to the wishing well. They exchanged sad goodbyes, still too aware of what had transpired on the boat, but both pretending that it meant nothing. He watched her remove the cloak from her form as she went up to the castle, wanting to assure she got home safely. Before she went inside, Rapunzel looked back and offered a small, final wave and reassuring smile before disappearing withing the stone walls.

She found her mother in the parlor, resting in an armchair and gazing intently into the fire. The princess's thoughts were swirling with the memories of the carnival, but managed to maintain an otherwise blank expression, fold her hands behind her back, and therefore hide the cloak from view.

The flames cast dark shadows across the Queen's face and neck, and when her mother fully stared at her, she knew that she was angry.

"Where have you been, Rapunzel?" She asked, stern and demanding.

Rapunzel's mind wavered to Eugene, and fueled the memories of the night into forming an innocent smile.

"Nothing, mother. I was just catching myself up on some of Mrs. Ezmerelda's work in the garden."

And because the Queen admired her daughter, the princess's simple explanation was enough.


Okay, if I didn't already make myself perfectly clear in the beginning author's note, I am SO SORRY about the long-awated update. I want to say that it was school, and the stress of my classes, the play I'm in, etc., but in all honesty, I know this chapter should have been completed four months ago. I promise I'll try harder to get the final chapter out sooner.

Yep, only one more chapter. For those of you who have stuck with this story, thank you so incredibly much! I hope that this chapter included a bit more fluff that I know everyone enjoys. :)

And just for future reference, the next and final chapter will take another jump in years, to when Rapunzel is eighteen and Eugene is 19. There's going to be some angst and drama in it, and I'll leave you wondering why until then.

Please be a dear and review! :)