Her night was fitful, dreams she could barely remember and a deep cold in her bones, and waking up more than a couple of times because she was more than a little afraid that someone was going to find her and Flynn tangled up together, her head resting against his chest.
When the sun finally started peaking up from the horizon, warm colors of pink, yellow, and splotches of purples, she nudged Flynn awake.
It took him a while to fully be awake, like he was accustomed to the same black sludge the servants drank in the morning. When he finally was they started crossing the bridge. It was a lengthy process, and to make it go faster they asked each other questions about themselves.
She felt like all her answers were bland, and she could practically hear Flynn laughing. She'd done nothing and hadn't attempted anything- not like him.
Flynn wove stories of charm and scenery and wonderful people. Aside from enough crimes to have him beheaded ten times, she found herself falling more and more in love with him.
It felt like being swallowed into a black hole, but the black hole was filled with smiles and giggles and warmth and happiness rushing through her body until she was dizzy just standing next to him.
By the time they reached the village, there were posters of Flynn /everywhere/. At first look they were perfect. On closer inspection, she noticed that his nose was messed up.
"Who makes these?" He asked, looking at it with a frown.
"I made a couple." She giggled, looking at his disgusting look.
"Why'd you draw my nose wrong?"
"I saw you for like ten seconds," She defended, strolling through the streets. Vendors were starting to set up their stands, and she was reminded of how hungry she was. "How long will it take to get to the castle?"
"About half a day." He shrugged, hands in pockets as he led the way. "That eager to get home?"
"Actually," She started, then clamped her mouth shut because Flynn would just laugh at her. I'm in love with you. Let's just leave.
Because obviously she wasn't in love with Flynn. He was a thief for crying out loud! He took her crown! She was infatuated... or loved his charm and good looks.
"-Yeah, I'm ready to be home."
"Okay, well let's keep going then," He said, adjusting his satchel. She grabbed onto his hand so they didn't get lost in the throng of people. His hand was warm and rough, and she loved the feeling. "Well, actually, do you know which way to go?"
"Straight ahead," She said, looking at the gaping mouths of people. She didn't know why they were- maybe because of her ragged appearance, or Flynn strolling through the kingdom like he owned it, or them holding hands.
"Follow the yellow brick road?" He asked cheekily. She glanced at the bricks, confused. They were brown.
They continued the walk through the streets, ignoring the way people looked at her. The first sign of the castle was the gardens- trimmed hedges and roses and fountains that depicted angels pouring water out of buckets.
It took another ten minutes of walking to get to the gates.
She opened them with the help of Flynn, and you never realize how heavy they are when ten servants are doing your job for you.
A guard came running up, noticing them from afar. "Your highness!"
Rapunzel sighed, glad to finally hear someone's voice aside from Flynn's. The guard, however, stuttered to a stop, mouth open at the thief.
"Hello?"
He resumed his normal position. "I will inform your father you have returned."
Her and Flynn were in front of her father before she could think clearly, head still dizzy from being back in such grandeur, and hand still clinging greedily to Flynn's.
"Why is he not in shackles?"
She almost said something rude, but refrained from it, making sure to withdraw her hand away from him. "Eu- uh, I mean, Flynn escorted me home after I was kidnapped."
"He wasn't the kidnapper?"
"No. He was a victim, like me, of the thieves and agreed to take me home in exchange for a royal pardon."
Her father raised an eyebrow, refraining from snorting like she had. "He should be lucky he gets to leave with his head on his shoulders."
"But- I promised him-"
Her father waved his hand in dismissal. Guards grabbed Flynn and two started her escort to her room.
Once she was safely in her room, she laid back on her bed, mind reeling. She was glad to be home. More than glad, really- elated. But at the same time her entire body was aching from not having Flynn at her side.
She pushed the thoughts away, reminding herself that she did not care about Flynn, and picked up a half finished painting and adjusting it on an easel near the window so she could paint the view. She did it quietly, focused on how the leaves reflected the sunlight when she heard cussing, banging and footsteps outside. She glanced down, surprised to see several guards using all their might to throw Flynn out.
When they finally accomplished their task, they closed the doors and locked them. She sighed, watching Flynn walk off. He turned around angrily and before she knew what she was doing, her hand shot up to wave to him.
He smiled and waved back.
"I'll see you tonight," He mouthed, and she had to strain to see it. When he turned back to exit, she went back to her painting, excitement coursing through her veins.
She had a date with Flynn Rider.