A/N: It's been some time since I've posted, and I'm so sorry about that :( It's been difficult finding the motivation and inspiration to write during these stressful times, but I watched Tangled recently and I felt inspired to write a short one-shot. I hope you all like it!
Without further ado, enjoy :)
The evening had come and gone in a flash, all under the nose of the dark haired woman sitting comfortably on a window seat. The flames from the fireplace crackled and danced, casting soft light around the room. She'd been relaxing by the rainy library window for hours, a blanket draped across her lap as she read a thick adventure novel. Her green eyes, though drooping with the beginnings of sleep, flitted across the pages rapidly as the plot thickened ever more.
Not a few minutes had passed when she realized she'd reread the same sentence thrice in a row, unable to focus any longer. Sighing softly, she gently set her book aside and laid down, finally succumbing to her exhaustion. It didn't take long before her breathing became rhythmic and colorful dreams filled her head.
The distinct, earthy scent of pine stirred the young woman from her peaceful slumber. Her initial reaction was one of confusion as she blinked the dregs of sleep from her eyes, rubbing a lazy hand across her face. Glancing down, she saw a pair of familiar hands wrapped securely around her small form. Her skirt swayed slightly with every step the man took, the cool satin brushing against her skin. Curious as to who carried her, she tilted her head upwards and discovered the welcome features of her fiance.
He must have noticed her subtle movements, for his mouth gave way into a fond smile. "Hey there, Blondie."
She grinned slightly at the term of endearment. He didn't seem to care if her hair was no longer the golden blonde it used to be. The nickname had stuck, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
"Eugene…" She mumbled, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. "How did you know I was in the library?"
His hazel eyes shone with mirth. "Where else would you go to hide away from the guards?"
Rapunzel giggled in response, trying to reach his cheek and plant a kiss. Instead, her lips landed onto the side of his neck.
"Whoa there, Blondie," Eugene playfully chided, trying to suppress the shivers racing down his spine. "You've got a reputation to uphold."
A deep blush spread across her face and tainted her ears. "Eugene! You know where I meant to kiss you."
"Well, you still missed."
Rapunzel smacked him on the chest, her entire body burning with equal parts embarrassment and amusement.
"Stop it, you tease—"
Leaning his head down whilst cradling her body, he locked her lips into a kiss. Just when Rapunzel started to melt in his embrace, he pulled apart.
Eugene smirked. "I like teasing you."
Rapunzel rolled her eyes good-naturedly, about to retort when he reached her bedroom door.
"Here we are, princess." Once they were inside, he carefully set her down into the plush covers and gingerly slipped his arms out from underneath her body. He turned to leave when Rapunzel caught his wrist, her thumb stroking his knuckles.
"Stay with me."
Eugene sighed, staring into her pleading gaze. "As much as I want to, you know I can't." The pair were not yet married, and the rules of the kingdom demanded they maintain propriety, which included sleeping in separate chambers. Although neither of them preferred this arrangement, they'd been faithful to it for her parent's sake. Her gaze remained persistent, and he could sense his resolve crumbling.
"Please?" Rapunzel asked, her voice scarcely above a whisper. "We've barely been able to see each other."
Every day, the couple had been bombarded with daily tasks; Rapunzel with her royal meetings and Eugene with his guard training. The time they were able to spend with one another was limited, and they often found themselves longing for each other's company. Sometimes, it seemed to Rapunzel as though he was miles away for how little they'd been together lately. Now that he was standing there, so close to her, she needed his touch more than ever.
His fingers clasped around hers, before he bent down to briefly kiss her hand. "Are you sure?"
Rapunzel nodded, her face breaking into a grin. "Come over here already."
Chuckling softly to himself, he slid off his boots and unbuttoned his blue vest. Despite the dim light in the room, he noticed Rapunzel's cheeks blossom into a bright shade of pink.
"Is everything okay?" Eugene asked, raising an eyebrow. "Your face is—"
"I'm fine!"
Her voice came out akin to a mouse's squeak. Rapunzel mentally berated herself for how high pitched she'd sounded, thus compelling her to hurriedly snatch a pillow and cover her face with it. She knew they'd come close to performing...certain activities, but she had yet to see him fully undressed. The thought, though it intrigued her, more often than not reduced her to a blushing mess.
Footsteps drew nearer to the bed, then she felt an extra weight settle beside her. Eugene lifted one side of the pillow, a pair of green eyes peering back at him.
"Don't worry, I'll keep my clothes on if it makes you feel more comfortable." He gave her a half smile, hoping he sounded reassuring enough.
A moment passed before Rapunzel placed the pillow underneath her arms; she'd begun nervously fidgeting with the choppy ends of her hair.
"Well…" she mumbled, her lips lifting into a shy smile. "You don't have to keep all of your clothes on."
He blinked, taken aback. "Wait, are you saying…?"
Eugene's sentence stayed unfinished as he sat there, realizing what she was implying. Eventually, he lifted the hem of his shirt and slipped it over his head, tossing the fabric onto the end of the bed. In response, Rapunzel sat up and crawled over to him with the pillow bunched up in her hands. Her heart pounded against her chest, the sound thumping repeatedly in her ears. They studied each other for a long time, simply trying to soak in the moment. Rapunzel couldn't resist scanning his lean muscles with her eyes, admiring the solidity of his body. Her gaze continued to travel down his chiseled torso, stopping below his navel. Suddenly abandoning all restraint, she drew closer to him and lightly traced her fingers along his chest, wanting to memorize every part of him. Seeing him exposed to her like this―feeling his muscles twitch underneath her fingertips―caused her breath to hitch in her throat.
Eugene swallowed hard, his gaze filled with desire. "Nervous?"
"Maybe a little," she replied, meeting his eyes and cupping the side of his face. He relaxed into her touch, closing his eyes. "But, I still want to do this."
Rapunzel leaned forward ever so slightly, their noses brushing together. In just mere seconds, the gap between them closed and the kiss that followed stole her breath away. It felt as though every stolen glance, every secret kiss, every time the sparks felt so palpable it seemed as if they would combust right then and there, expressed itself in their heated embrace. His fingers worked swiftly to undo the ribbons of Rapunzel's corset; soon, her dress had been thrown carelessly onto the floor. All she'd worn under her dress was a loose cotton shift, the hem of it draping around her ankles. The fabric left little to the imagination, the shift clinging to the curves of her breasts. With unbridled passion, Eugene's arms encircled her waist as their bodies collided, their limbs entangled together. In no time at all, there was nothing but bare skin between them as they fell onto the mattress, focused on none else but each other. Rapunzel bunched her fingers in his silky strands of hair, releasing groans of pleasure as his lips kissed every inch of her being.
Eugene smiled against the crook of her neck. "Rapunzel?"
"What is it?"
"I love you."
Her grin was so wide, so full of joy, that it appeared as if it could split her face in half. She'd never felt such pure, incandescent happiness for him as she did in this moment.
"I love you, too."
The night ended once the pair fell asleep in each other's arms, with faint smiles on both their lips.
It's a bit rushed, I know, but I really enjoyed writing it and I hope you all enjoyed reading it! Leave a review if you'd like :)