Suitors of Rapunzel

by MiraNova23

(What if we ripped the communication out of New Dream?) It's been 11 months since Eugene returned Rapunzel safely to her true parents. She claimed her title as the Lost Princess. He refused his reward. Now he works odd jobs around the castle, while she must reluctantly choose a Prince to marry from the multitude of suitors. Mutual "unrequited" pining. Movie-verse. AAANGST! - ACTIVE

2. Ch2: Day 304

A/N: So, yes, I have Google & looked at a map & a Wikipedia entry or 2… So even though "Vauxhall" is inside London, it's where MI6's headquarters is located. That may or may not make sense later. Just another Chuck Easter egg, or rather, Beefcake? ;)

Oh, but I can't count, so when I doublechecked notes & all, & well…

Corrections: They take 7 days total. First day is still already gone.

Edited as of March 26, 2022 to reflect corrections, additions, and general changes since publishing Ch9.

---

Suitors of Rapunzel

Ch2 □ Day 304 ⌧

playlist on YouTube as SoR - Ch2 - Day 304

---

Eugene awoke with a start, certain he had heard something large and soft, hit the floor with a thud. He picked his messy-haired head up out of the crook of his arm, as he leaned up on his elbows from where he lay curled up on the wicker sofa. He listened carefully and squinted around, mostly toward upstairs, where he assumed the noise had to have come from. "Blo-" he groggily started, then called out better, "Rapunzel?" But even once he called to her, she did not answer. He listened carefully as he debated whether he needed to check it out or not.

It quickly became clear however, that whatever he had heard was part of a greater ruckus coming from Gothel's old room, downstairs. The door was still closed; more accurately, closed again.

He tried to identify what sounded like paper ripping, then moving a heavy chair or something across the wooden floor. Fabric swishing through the air and metal rings tearing, a drawer roughly being pulled out, hitting the floor and scattering its contents. Glass hit a wall, followed by ceramic, their pieces shattering and scattering. But as soon as he heard Rapunzel's crying scream from the same room, combined with some kind of strange hit, Eugene's bare feet were down on the floor bolting him toward the doorway before his eyes were properly opened. "RAPUNZEL?!" He dashed over and barged through the door, but froze under the snow-painted door frame.

Breathless...

speechless...

...but relieved.

Rapunzel was alone in the trashed bedroom, where the sunrise was streaming in across the windows, whose curtains had been yanked down, leaving just one bent rod hanging only half connected. Both the mattress and its bedframe were each askew, sheets torn, pillows thrown about, shredded, with flurries of feathers around them all.

One pillow in particular was pinned into the mattress near the head of the bed, the knife holding it there.

The night table drawer sat right before him, empty. Everywhere, the floor was littered with scraps of paper, glass, ceramic, and a myriad of other tiny objects and clothing. Puffy red and tear-streaked in the face, Rapunzel next flung open a pair of closet doors, snatched an armful of dresses out, with or without their hangers, and threw them on the floor. Her arm swept across the vanity, eliminating dozens of tiny containers and small objects, casting them all over the place, some hitting the wall before landing on the floor all the same. She stooped to pick some up, only to chuck them one by one against the mirror, then through the side stained glass window, and then the other window's panes.

Eugene actually relaxed a bit, but did not dare move or make a sound. Holy crap, I thought- Thank God she's SAFE. 'Cause I am NOT awake enough to fight an- He pursed and bit his lips to avoid laughing at the idea of another intruder or thief here.

Rapunzel still paid him no mind. She only stopped when she realized she held a hairbrush. She froze, looked up to her raised hand ready to chuck it, but crumpled to the ground. She used me... She was ONLY using me! Her sobbing anger fell to pure weeping. Just like everyone else! With her back against the foot of the bed frame, she pulled her knees up and dropped her head to them. I'm so alone, I'll always be alone, because of you, it's STILL all because of YOU...

Eugene waited a moment to ensure she was finished, then discreetly stepped back away from the door, back til he reached where he had left his boots. He pulled them on, even with his pajama pants tucked into them, and quickly returned, still prudently navigating most of the glass and other broken sharp debris all over the floor. The glass was at least concentrated on the far side of the room, from the vanity mirror. Nearer though, he had to avoid the broken bits of a pair of spectacles, and parts of what used to be a musical jewelry box. Finally, he reached her at the foot of the bed, and slowly slunked down beside her.

Rapunzel had heard him, so she did not react.

With a clear of his throat and a nudge of her arm, to be extra sure not to startle her, he then slid his arm around her shoulders. She kept her head down, leaning on her hands, on her knee. He gently wriggled the hairbrush out of her death grip on it, and tossed it away as well.

Now I've made a huge actual mess to clean up! "I'm so sorry, Eugene," she cried. "I- I'm sorry, I..."

"No no no," he quietly urged her. "It's okay." He tenderly kissed her temple. "It's okay." This part was somehow always his easiest role to play with her. Here they both agreed and understood exactly where he stood in her life, regarding this issue at very least.

Rapunzel sighed at him letting her off the hook for destroying the room, and could not help falling into his comforting touch. It's been so long... She pressed her face to his shoulder - but leaned back with a double take of the fabric of his Midnight Blue pajama shirt, recognizing it as so familiar. "Those are…"

He looked to her, also surprised, remembering. "Oh. Yeah, I… I told you I loved 'em."

She gulped. "I thought someone stole them…"

"Someone did steal them," he nodded along and raised his brow, waiting.

A single chuckle bubbled through sniffles. "You-?"

"You were with a tutor. I didn't touch anything else."

"I wasn't worried about that, just… surprised."

He shrugged, ignoring the yearnful nostalgia.

"Well," she tried to sound cheery despite being stuffed-up, "You can't really steal what's already yours."

He let out a slight chuckle, almost smiling. "No, I guess not." He tried to rub some sleepiness off his face, trying not to remember other times of sleepiness, or the day he received them. Oh. I haven't asked her about– well, not since. Don't want her to think I'm an asshole who didn't care, though. "And uh, speaking of which… Tom, uh… Tom told me your ears were healing good."

"Y-yeah…" The pain came back to her, and with that memory, that voice yet again. In this place, she could swear it was still walking around, ready to catch them here at any second. She clung to his arm, not caring how weak she felt for it making her feel safer.

They sat in silence a moment more, while she resettled into him and recollected her thoughts.

"I don't know what I'm doing... I just… I still hear her voice. And it's louder here- if that makes any sense, like-"

"No, I know," he murmured. "I know… I hear her, too, sometimes."

"You?" She rubbed an eye and looked up to his tired stubbly face.

"Kinda imprinted on me pretty quick. Why you think I didn't wanna sleep in here last night?" he said humorously, earning a sniffly chuckle from her. But then he returned to somber. "She hurt you. She was so wrong, for everything she did to you."

"She destroyed me…"

"Nooo. No she didn't. She tried to but you're not destroyed."

"No, you don't know that-"

"I do know that. You're not destroyed; this room is."

A chuckle burst out of a sob. But he doesn't get it.

"She was destroyed. But you're safe now. Your real parents love you so much. And I think you hit all your targets here, so just relax. It's okay."

Pretty conspicuous how that list only includes my parents… "But I can't- I can't just, force myself to relax! I can pretend but I don't want to just pretend that it's all fine, not anymore. But I can't just forget. It's not so easy."

"No, I know." He took to rubbing her back, and, despite how she had just protested, her breathing instantly calmed a bit. "You don't completely forget. And this will always be a part of who you are. But you're not like her." He leaned his forehead against the side of hers, still reflexively willing his voice to overwrite the old lady's. "But you have every right to feel how you feel about it. You have every right to be furious. You have every right to destroy everything here. The only things that are gonna make you feel better, are getting it out, and time."

Rapunzel finally took a deep breath and picked her head up to lock eyes with him. "Then you're the only one who knows me," she frowned. Well, knows me the most.

"I guess," he answered again, following most of her thought process just the same. I AM the only one who knew Rapunzel in the Tower, and, for a time, Princess Rapunzel… Though I'm a fan of the original.

She extended her hand to his knee, and leaned her head against his shoulder. "You're the only one who understands this stuff at all, but, there's so much... I- I'm sorry I made such a mess..." of us...

He yawned. I shouldn't be the only one who understands, though. "It's okay. Anyway, it's not like I cared about this room," he laughed off.

She mirrored his chuckle.

"I mean, I only met her that once, but..." He trailed off and fell grave. "But I hope aging hundreds of years at once was a fate worse than regular death, 'cause she deserved worse than death."

She turned her face in between his bicep and chest, ashamed that she felt like agreeing, against her kinder judgement.

Eugene rubbed her shoulder, letting her know she was welcome there. "But I suppose we are lucky that not all of us," he rubbed around his throat with his free hand, "Get what we deserve, right?"

She looked up to see his gesture, startled when she realized what he meant. Her hand tightened on his knee, and the other gripped his wrist on her shoulder. "I guess so, then. At least she's gone now, and you're still here..."

"See? World goes on."

"Mine hasn't..."

He huffed a sigh. "It will."

She groaned and sat back up straight.

"You okay?"

She shook her head. "You don't have to be here, though. You can go back to sleep or go eat or whatever," she waved her hand away.

He stared at her face, which she noticed and turned away. I'm not awake enough to fight this either. I don't know if I should be mad at you for anything about this or not, but… can't deny that I don't wanna have you cry. "You know, if nothing else, you sat with me right in my mess."

She flinched from the memory, the first one at least, so good that it hurt now. She shook her head at the ones that followed, and sniffled again. "I guess."

He scoffed with a smile. "Of course you did."

"I'm sorry I woke you up, though."

"Naw, waking up now is fine. I was just worried when I heard you-"

She cringed, "Yeah, sorry-"

"No, I mean like," he looked down and smiled tiredly but knowingly at her, "I was worried someone broke in."

"Pfft," she laughed, rolling her head away as she found her grin growing and the laughter would not stop. "Alright, thank you…"

He smiled proudly as he watched her, then bumped her shoulder. "Here, c'mon, Miss Barefoot."

She watched as he stood up far above her, but then instead of even reaching for her hand to help her up, he bent all the way back down and scooped her up right off the floor bridal-style. She gasped, tightly clinging around his heated neck. Subsequent gasps escaped as he carried her to the door, while she tried to calm her good-excited nerves now. She brushed his stubble and fingered a large beauty mark, before abruptly stopping. "Sorry," she quickly mumbled and tucked her head down.

His neck stiffened and chest caved at the touch, but she apologized as quickly as it had registered. He put her down just outside the door, then closed it again. "You don't have to, but if you do wanna clean any of that up, you put your riding shoes on, alright?"

She nodded obediently.

"No more healing means you really don't wanna cut your feet up."

Her head darted up and she tensed, eyes darting to a dark corner.

He noticed. "What?"

"Uh, do you want me to clean it up? I mean I certainly will-"

He shook his head, "No, don't worry about it. It's not even like I'm gonna be living here forever-..." He tensed this time.

Her brow furrowed. "What?"

He shrugged, then turned right to the frying pan hanging up by the kitchen. He grabbed it and flipped it around with a flourished twirl and smirk. "Breakfast?"

---

Breakfast was especially civil, including the curiosity and explanation of his mysterious French coffee press addition to the kitchen.

While Eugene's back was turned cleaning up, Rapunzel went straight to the wardrobe to get a dress for the day. He heard the doors open and whirled around just in time to see her reaction.

"Wh-what?" She stood there, holding onto the doors, suddenly feeling faint from too many memories, assumptions, and emotions hitting her all at once. She had just wanted a dress. But now her vision was tunnelling at the sight of what was at the bottom of the wardrobe. Not only that, but the vision of what must have been: him carefully collecting it, winding it all up, delicately tucking it into this space.

"Rapunzel, I-..." He took a step toward her but froze.

"You... " she trailed off.

"I didn't know what to do with it, so I just," he rubbed his neck, cringing. "What do you wanna do with it?"

"I… I don't know either…"

"Just leave it there then?"

She sighed. "I guess so."

He watched her carefully.

She shook her head clear, and with a deep breath, plucked a pale pink dress off a hanger and closed the doors again. As she headed back toward the stairs, she noticed him staring pensively. "Um, these ones at least all lace in the front, so I can take care of them myself."

He clasped his hands behind his back and nodded, then got back to cleaning.

---

While Rapunzel was in the bathroom, Eugene changed upstairs, into just a white peasant shirt, grey pants, and black boots. He fetched his diary from its hiding spot under the window seat in her bedroom.

At the bathroom door, he called through. "Hey, I'm gonna head outside."

"Okay!"

---

The humidity outside was heavier than the day before but not too bad, as summer was getting in full swing again. Out in the grass, lounging up against a boulder, he began trying to jot any sense of his thoughts he could make out, and to simply keep track of events.

---

May 20, Day 303 - It's the next day already, but, well… Rapunzel... So that happened.

But Brenna wants me to propose! Tom says 3 months' pay for an engagement ring, so 360 gold?! I do make twice as much as anyone else, though, but hey, all the more reason I'm sure we'll be alright! & her parents will definitely approve, if they haven't already discussed it or told her outright themselves!

…& maybe we'll find some closure this week?

---

May 21, Day 304 - Chillin with… ~Rapunzel. til next Sunday.

We're gonna need more alcohol.

---

With no daily structure for this 'vacation,' Rapunzel let herself be distracted going through old things in her bedroom.

"Knock, knock," Eugene announced as he did the same on the door frame.

"Oh, come in!" she jumped up from the open vanity drawer to greet him at the door.

He stepped past the tied-back curtain himself. "Hey," he smiled, "Drinks tonight?" He kept his eyes on her as he put the diary away in the nightstand drawer this time.

Drinks? Like back when we were celebrating-! She swelled with good memories and anticipation. "Oh, uh, sure!"

"I'll have to go out and get stuff, then," he said as he pulled one coin out.

"Oh!" She immediately got even more excited. "I'll get ready!"

"Uh," he faltered, cringing at her, "Rapunzel?"

Her enthusiasm crashed before it had even fully lifted off. "Hm?"

"Please don't take this the wrong way, like, please, go outside, it's a beautiful day out," he held his hand out toward her bedroom window. "But I meant 'I'll' go, alone. I'll find something you'll like, but-"

"Why not?" she whined.

"Because what if someone sees us?"

She pouted. "I- I won't say anything to Brenna, alright?"

"If she does see us, saying nothing would be worse. And just, how do we explain this to anyone else? You know exactly what this looks like."

She sighed, exasperated. "I'm the Princess, I don't have to explain anything-"

"Yeah, well I would, so please, cut me some slack here. I mean, I'll be back as soon as I can. But really please- don't just stay up here all day, alright?"

She was already shaking her head, merely waiting for him to finish to determinedly present her entire case. "You also told my father that you would stay by my side 'at all times.' What if you run into a guard- or, or anyone, and he finds out you were seen without me?"

He half-frowned to the side. She's right…

"It would be better for them to spot us. Even just to reaffirm what you wrote." She saddened a bit, but remained resolute. "And if we run into Brenna, then you wouldn't have disappeared on her, either."

That he turned back with an answer. "Tom told her I got called away on 'business.'"

Her brow shot up. Did he really though? "So Tom knows we're out here?"

"He doesn't know I'm staying at 'the tower,' and he especially doesn't know where 'here' is, but yes, I told him you wanted some time to get away, so you were staying at 'my place.'"

"Alright," she cocked her head, "Well, there you go. Worst case, I can be proof that you're on some royal errand." Because if Tom really hates me enough, I think he just might tell Brenna the truth!

He sighed, but ended up smiling a little. "Alright, you win. Get ready."

"Eeehooh!" she squealed and jumped up in place.

He chuckled at her. "You live in a castle for a year, and you're still so excited to go to a grubby tavern?"

"Of course!" she giggled.

He shook his head, grinning.

She set to tidying up some of the things she had pulled out.

He took a brown leather doublet out of the closet to throw on. "Shoes?" he smirked.

She frowned. "Do I have to?"

"No," he laughed. "But do you have your-?" He traced his right thigh.

"Oh," she laughed, "No. I came out here with you."

He sighed and shook his head, but could not lose the smirk. Okay, the unshakeable trust is still touching. "Alright, here." He handed her his belt with a sheathed knife hanging from it. "Under your dress still."

She nodded and struggled to get it latched with her skirt hiked up, while he dug through a drawer of her vanity, where he found two garters to hold it flush against her thigh.

One more bouncing look in her vanity mirror to check her hair and the bow of her corset laces, and she twirled back around with her arms out. "And I guess I am ready!"

"Aht-taht-tat," he gripped her shoulders. "Stand still for two seconds,I beg of you."

"What? Why?" she pouted, confused, especially as he inspected her skirt.

"No bump showing through your skirt, okay." He released her, throwing his arms dramatically wide as they both smirked at each other.

Downstairs, she grabbed the frying pan, and he lifted a guard-issue sword and a guard-issue crossbow off a hook of the coat rack.

---

Nerves jumping around so oddly and yet so understandably, they walked up to the front door of The Snuggly Duckling together.

He took a deep breath as he grabbed the door handle. "Let's, ah, just slip in as quiiietly as possible."

"Yeah," she cringed likewise.

Inside was rowdy and loud as always, til they closed the door behind them - and everyone saw who it was-

DEAD SILENCE.

They both forced awkward smiles.

All of their friends stared back just as awkwardly, then conspicuously turned back to what they were doing. Eyes still remained glued on them.

Eugene stood up straight, but tucked his chin in, and cleared his throat. His hand tapped Rapunzel's, a signal to follow. And she did, as they made a beeline for the bar.

"Heh," Hookhand smirked but glared at Eugene, then turned to Rapunzel and dipped his head courteously. "Yooour Royal Highness," he said cheekily.

Rapunzel finally smiled sweetly at him. "Oh, Hook, stop. You know it's just Rapunzel." She climbed up onto a stool and leaned over to peck his cheek, as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders for a small hug.

That's my Blondie. That finally brought Eugene to smile as well, his brow pinched and eyes suddenly glazed over with a rose-colored memory, and sheer happiness at her having physically affectionate friends. "Hey, Hook."

Hook merely frowned and grunted at him, favoring her. "What'll it be, M'Lady?"

Rapunzel giggled at Eugene's reception, but perked back up to Hook. She crossed her arms on the bar and hung off the edge there. "We're actually here to get drinks for tonight!"

"Tonight?" Hook snapped, at Eugene.

He blinked back in terror. "No," he assured Hook, then turned to Rapunzel to reiterate, "No."

"What?" Rapunzel quirked back at him. "But you said-"

"Rapunzel," he groaned at her with a pointed look.

She started at that look. "Oh- ohhh…" But she had to giggle at the idea that this conversation was actually all about that, though never actually stated. Not to mention, the absurdity of their furthest possible suggestion: that Eugene would need to impair her judgement to get her to. "Annnywayyy," she drew out, a little embarrassed, and still shy nonetheless.

"Anyway," he repeated, "Yes. A few bottles to go." He shrugged though. "But you wanna grab lunch while we're here? Hang out a bit?" You still don't get out as much as I know you'd really want. Plus, yeah, you were right about being seen being better than not.

"That sounds great!" She plopped back down onto the stool. "So! What's to eat?"

Hook smiled to Rapunzel, but shot a raised brow to Eugene.

Eugene pretended not to notice as he claimed the stool beside her, but then looked up to Hook to innocently order, supposedly confused by his expression. "What?"

He only dipped his head more and raised his eyebrows more.

Rapunzel looked back and forth between them. "Hm?"

"Nothing," Eugene answered her. "What do you want to eat?"

"Ooh!" Rapunzel lit up with an idea, "Anything with pork?"

Hookhand nodded, then turned to Eugene.

"Uh, same, I guess," he answered, avoiding his eyes.

---

Hookhand soon served up some simple but savory pork hand pies filled, overflowing, and covered with gravy, and a light wine for her. Special for Rapunzel, and Eugene only by virtue of her company, he also added lemon wedges to each of their water.

Not quite so special that Eugene had to fish his out with a sneer of disgust, and plunked it in Rapunzel's drink instead. Gooood friend! Til she shows up. Then I'm chop liver. He knows I don't like these.

"Hm, thanks," she giggled at the double treat she had been expecting since she saw him come out with two.

"Uh-huh," he acknowledged casually.

"Hey Blondie," Hookhand whispered out of the side of his mouth as he stared off towards the front door again. "Ain't that one of your Prince Charmings?"

Eugene suddenly ground his jaw hard and looked to see which way Hookhand's eyes were pointed.

Rapunzel nonchalantly looked towards the front door. "Thaaat certainly looks like it would be."

Eugene gulped, then carefully, but casually, tucked his head lower behind his high collar, to hide his face from whoever was at the front door. He still managed to steal a side glare from behind his hand, at the new guest.

The man at the door was certainly royalty. He sported a three-piece suit: a dark blue jacket with coat tails, embellished with gold flourishes, gold buttons, and gold edging, with wide cuffs, also embellished. Underneath that, a maroon vest, of fine floral-embossed fabric, with matching gold buttons and trim. Under that, a starch white cravat untied at the collar and white cuffs poking out at the sleeves, though the collar had been tugged open, at least past his clavicle. His starch white pants still denied any sign of a single speck of dirt. His shiny black leather riding boots and spats hardly looked like they had ever seen dirt either.

His hair was thick and very dark almost-black, but trimmed short and tight around his neck, groomed perfectly into place. Twinkling blue eyes casually glanced around the pub as he took a seat in a large thick chair, far from, but facing the bar. A thin layer of carefully manicured scruff shaded in around his face, outlining a chiseled jaw, cheekbones, and amidst them, a pleasantly soft smirk, which he gave freely to the barmaid along with his order. The three other men flanking him were dressed more similarly to each other than him, though still just as auspiciously.

"Looks like a real ladies man," Hookhand whispered again, with a snide smile for Eugene.

He rolled his eyes back at him. "What's he here for."

"You think royalty never comes in here?" he laughed, nodding towards Rapunzel, enjoying this too much already.

Eugene stole a glance to Rapunzel, who was turned around, thoughtfully watching the prince.

She sized him up quickly as he walked in, a cute smile and hooded eyes coming over her easily, then simply went back to her wine. Oh, he'll be quick but enjoyable nonetheless. Save him for later though, or…?

Eugene's heart raced; he had seen this before, but never this close. The ease with which he saw the mask go on worried and disheartened him more than anything. Aren't you ever gonna try for real?

"Better watch it, Blondie," Hookhand said sympathetically to her now, "Don't wanna ruin yer lil vacay here."

With the prince sitting in a straight line behind him, Eugene dropped his hand and just kept his head fixed straight forward. "Maybe," he started but cleared his throat to mask his personally startled concern. "Maybe you could just," he turned his tune sweet as he smiled covertly to Rapunzel, "Maybe you don't really need to deal with this, ya know? We could throw a sack over his head, drag him outside, let him wake up a town over. C'mon, Hook, you're always up for a good mugging, aren't ya?" He nervously smiled as he saw Hookhand twist into a sneer.

"Him an' his whole entourage? Heh. What'sa matter? Not like he's competition." Eugene was just about to open his mouth, but Hook continued with another nod. "Good thing you dumped Blondie here."

"Hey, I-" Eugene bit his tongue in a grunt. "Yeah, whatever..."

Rapunzel's brow shot up, but she was pretending to only pay very close attention to her drink. Ohhh, ho-oh no. NO. We're doin' this now. He can sit here and stress. I'm gonna go have some fun and save myself some trouble for when I get back. And if I can make him squirm while I'm at it, well, all the more fun I might have later, too.

Still clenching his jaw, Eugene tried to deflect again. "I was, just thinking it's not proper for a suitor to meet her here, and with all these supposedly dangerous guys. And what if he's a dangerous guy? Hmm? We don't know that." He held his hand out to offer Rapunzel his next suggestion, "We could just slip out the tunnel-"

"It's okay, Eugene," she said flatly, then took another long drink of wine.

He shot her a harsh glance. Let them figure out who I am and we are seriously not gonna have a good time here!

A leer returned from hers. "'It's called diplomacy.'" She hopped off the stool.

His eyes went wide at her before tearing away, his face sneering up. He slumped back to brood on his one elbow on the bar, leaning far away from her. Like any of this is my fault?

"And besiiides," she turned back and her arms opened up with a sarcastic flourish. "I have you big, strong, men," she emphasized with a babyish voice pitched low, "All around to protect me." She gave Eugene one more, knowing, hard look. You're only worried about yourself! And I have a weapon!

"She'll be fine," Hookhand reassured him, nodding to the rest of the thugs filling the bar, all of whom adored her. "Not like it's her first day out' the tower, that she's gonna fall for the first boy she sees."

Now Rapunzel pouted and rolled her eyes at Hookhand. Eugene suddenly took an incredible interest in the fine craftsmanship of the lacquered slice of tree that made up the bar, eyes going right through it. She stood up straight with purpose and turned to head over, glass of water in hand. Eugene's jaw, which, til now, had seemed clamped shut, fell open. His eyes darted to her empty seat, but he could not bring himself to utter any more protest; the wind had left him.

"You okay?" Hookhand asked half-heartedly with a cocked brow.

"Who, me?" he successfully feigned the blasé tone. "Pfft, yeah." He shrugged it off, but his face still creased with worry. "I'm fine. Just wondering if I watered the roses I got from Tor..." He put on the fakest grin.

"Perhaps you shouldn't be spying on your replacements." At last, Hook looked at him sincerely. He finished drying his hand on his bar mop and flung it over his shoulder. He leaned heavily on the bar with his hand and his hook, as he gestured towards the back door with his head. "Maybe you should step outside, cam'on, let's get you some fresh air, you really can't handle-" He reached his hand out to Eugene's shoulder.

But he blocked and smacked it away. "I, can handle it. I'll just listen in case I hear something." Under the bar, he reached and checked his crossbow at his side.

Hook guffawed a little. "Hear something like what? Something YOU don't like?"

"Nooo," Eugene defended. "I just don't know- I mean, I haven't- Ugh... I don't know if we can trust this guy."

"You ain't a guard anymore. Or are you some kinda royal spy now?"

Eugene groaned. "I'm a little more complicated to explain. And this week I'm also whatever she says I am. Which, is at very least part bodyguard."

---

Rapunzel sashayed over to the Prince's table. He had already lost the jacket in the stuffy hot indoors, and each man at the table already had a drink.

The Prince noticed her, and his bewilderment quickly turned into intrigued charm.

A blithe and becoming vision, her pale pink dress lightheartedly swished her through the air towards him. Her slight smirk and seductive eyes set on her target. Without ever taking her eyes off him, she dragged a chair over between him and his right-hand man, and sat down.

All of the men at the table had paused to watch her barge right in.

The Prince turned in his seat slightly to face her and cocked his head, his expression already entranced into mimicking hers.

"Hi!" she said as bubbly as possible, "I must have missed you at the castle. I'm Rapunzel." She bounced in her seat as she jutted her hand out for him to kiss it.

He took her hand and indeed graciously kissed it. "Ah, Rapunzel," he said cheerfully, "Yes, I was disappointed to hear that you were away, but, wow? What luck finding you here!"

"Hm," she cooed, a little too loudly, "Yup, you found me!"

Hookhand watched Eugene silently scoff before taking a drink of water. He whispered, "Hrm? Usual line?"

Eugene held three fingers up, rolled his hand around, then jutted his thumb at himself. "And that's just from what I've caught." God, I thought I reused material.

"Pfft, you want something stronger than that water?"

He half frowned. "Not yet. Just keep an eye on them behind me."

The Prince double-blinked to get out of her big green eyes. "Ah," he chuckled, embarrassed and nervous, "Allow me to? Introduce myself, I guess." He glanced around at the dark and dirty tavern, noting it was indeed a ridiculous place for a formal meeting like this, then returned his full attention to Rapunzel. "I'm Graham Barkole, Prince of Vauxhall."

"Well," Rapunzel giggled flirtatiously. "Pleased to meet you!"

"Pleasure's all mine, Your Royal Highness," he sweetly replied.

"Oh, please, it's just Rapunzel."

"A down-to-Earth girl, as I've heard."

"Free spirit," she shrugged, "As they say."

He chuckled along. "I wasn't exactly expecting to run into you here."

"Well, I was just enjoying some time away, buuut," she gracefully turned her smirking head toward the back of Eugene's head.

Eugene chanced a glance back over his shoulder.

Even while their eyes clicked, she continued. "It's even harder to get a vacation from my bodyguard."

Graham glanced toward him as well.

Eugene quickly turned back around, grimacing, catching condescending eyes from Hookhand in front as well.

"Well," Graham reasoned, "I don't blame your bodyguard for being a bit overprotective in a place like this. Why- ah, if I may ask?"

Rapunzel sweetly nodded him along.

"What on Earth is a Crown Princess doing in a common tavern like this?"

"Could ask you the same thing," she snarked.

"Well," he blushed, "You may be trying to get a break from Corona, but I figured I should try to get to know the place a little bit." His brow furrowed as he looked around in confusion. "And oddly enough, this place was so highly recommended by everyone in town."

She giggled. "I may have had something to do with that."

"You?" his brow raised with a surprisingly impressed smile.

"I'm friends with everyone in here."

"Ah-haaa…" he trailed off, slightly unsettled as he glanced around.

She cocked her head confidently, "Perhaps you can see why I've gone through so many suitors already."

"Well," he cocked his head back, drifting closer, "I guarantee I'm not like any of those other suitors."

"Oh really?" she teased in an innocently cute voice, still beckoning that this door was wide open, despite the warning signs. "Why's that?"

"For one thing, I studied at Oxford," he smirked.

She was indeed taken aback. "Wait, really?"

"Yes," he chuckled.

"Oh my- wow… Oh- okay," she chuckled back as she pulled her seat in closer. "And I do know what that is. I've read about it and heard a lot about it. That's somewhere in England, right?"

"Yes, right near London and my own Vauxhall."

"So, what, ah, what did you study there?"

"Well... Greek and Latin, mandatory for freshmen, and then art history, music, philosophy, astronomy, but it's more about the connections you get to make."

"Oh…" she swooned, her voice catching back on her genuine airy giggles, "Wow…"

He chuckled at her imposition, charmingly, graciously, humbly, as if it were an embarrassment of intelligence. "And how about you?"

"Well, I'm interested in all of those things, but astronomy is probably the one I know best. And I draw and paint myself."

"Really?" he perked up.

"Yeah," she chuckled, "I've started painting the walls in the castle, but in my tower I managed to paint practically every square inch of wall space- including the ceiling!"

He guffawed a bit at that, though impressed. "What, like Michelangelo? What on Earth were you painting on the ceiling?"

Rapunzel laughed back. "No, no, but oh my gosh I would love to see the Sistene Chapel in person someday! But, ah, actually, what I was painting also wasn't anything 'on Earth.' I used it to chart stars."

"Oh," he gasped and chuckled, "Well, I suppose that would be the best place, then!"

She chuckled back, accepting it as an apology for his disbelief. "Who's your favorite painter?"

"Ah, well, oddly enough, I do love the complications added in everything Baroque, but my favorite period is still the Renaissance. If I had to pick just one painter, though, ahhh… oh, no, just one?"

She nodded along. "Baroque is very interesting, in fact Eu- uh, You know, uh… Peter Paul Rubens is great. But Rococo's more my style."

"Oh, wow, yes, all wonderful!"

"Jean-Honoré Fragonard's my favorite style-wise."

"Of course," he chuckled, "I can see it suits you."

She glanced back at Eugene at the bar, practically expecting to see the daily eagle of his favorite painting. Although, the new tankard near him may take care of his liver itself. She blushed back at her conversation companion though. "Hm, thank you."

"But I was undecided between DaVinci, of course-"

"Ah, chiaroscuro," she noted.

"Yes, but, building on that Titian red, Caravaggio's colors and compositions!"

"Caravaggio-!" she repeated, jumping in her seat. "Yes! Oh! But that somewhat brings us back to my ultimate favorite no matter what."

"Who?"

"Artemisia Gentileschi," she shot out immediately, remembering she was trying to play hardball.

He was taken aback but chuckled nervously. "Oh my, is that right?"

"You're familiar?"

"I am-"

"Mm-hrm," Rapunzel hummed, disbelieving.

His eyes pinched at her doubt. "She was, um, very interested in the story of Judith and Holofernes, due to, ah, her personal life."

Rapunzel's smile disappeared as she darted her attention back to him. "That's, putting it gently."

"Certainly," he cringed.

"Hm, alright…" She eyed him up again. This is… fun?! She caught one lemon wedge out of her drink and began to suck on it.

"Oh my-" Graham started with a giggle, "You do that too?!"

Oh- wow being here- I got so comfortable I forgot table manners- "Um…"

"Well, I used to do that, when I was a kid, but…"

"People don't come to The Snuggly Duckling to have manners," she quipped. "Here, I have another one!"

---

Eugene finished his drink, enough to get over dealing with another "Flynn Rider" encounter. From what he had been able to eavesdrop, between her excited squealing every so often, and their friendly laughter, things seemed to be going well. But he did not want to stay here all day long, and she had barely eaten any of her food. He stood up slowly and gathered her plate and fork.

Hook darted to him. "Whoa there, where you think you're goin?"

He shrugged. "She left her food." ...exactly an hour ago.

Hook leaned on the bar and shook his head.

"There's a river not far from here," Rapunzel babbled on, "If you'd like to get out of here."

Ignoring how he instantly caught the prince's attention, as well as everybody else in the entire tavern, he nonchalantly made his way over to their table. From behind Rapunzel, he surprised her by setting the plate down in front of her. "Forgot something."

She whipped around, staring up, horrified at his deadpan face.

Graham fully settled on that his recognition must be correct. "Hahoh, the infamous Flynn Rid-"

"Nooo, I am here in service to Her Royal Highness, as her personal bodyguard."

Unsure, Graham looked back to Rapunzel.

"Eugene, what are you doing here?" she hissed.

"Just checking in. You both know this is against our protocol," he eyed her and him authoritatively.

"Ah, my apolo-" Graham began, cringing guiltily.

"I know," Rapunzel whined at the same time, "But, I was actually enjoying myself for once." She smiled seductively at the Prince, who involuntarily smiled back.

'For once?!' Eugene's brow flew up. "Anyway, Your Highness, I just wanted to remind you that I'd like to be out of here by five o'clock?"

She pouted, "Why?"

"Because-..." he bit his lips. "Just. Please."

"I don't think," Graham jutted in, "The chain of command goes that direction. And, yes, as I was saying, from the bar I didn't realize you were THE Flynn Rider. I wasn't expecting to get to meet you."

"It's Eugene. And I wanted to remind you, that while clearly an honored guest of the royal family, you hold less authority here than I do."

"Eugene," he repeated, then narrowed eyes between the two of them. "Is there a problem here?"

Eugene narrowed his eyes back, suspecting the most obvious issue, which meant sarcasm was the best course. He flashed his own dashing smile and Cupid eyes. "Sorry, Handsome, but I'm already taken. Got my own girlfriend. And any other rumors you may have heard are just fairytales. Nevertheless, I am her only official acting guard out here, besides the rest of the thugs filling this place. So, actually, may I have a word with you privately?"

"Privately?" Rapunzel protested.

"It's alright," Graham assured her. "I was about to ask the same thing. Let's step outside for a moment, shall we?"

"Let's. Thank you." Eugene sharply followed the Prince out the door. When Rapunzel grabbed his sleeve, he jerked his arm away.

---

"Who did you speak to at the castle?" Eugene grilled him.

"Oh," Graham was slightly surprised it was indeed just to talk. "Um, the King and his advisor, and the Queen and her advisor. They told me I probably would've been cleared, but that they couldn't finalize anything, since she was away for the week."

"'Would have,'" Eugene repeated. "Look, it's great you two hit it off, that's great, but just bear in mind how fiercely protective of her everyone in this entire kingdom is. I report directly to the King and Queen, and you're not even officially authorized to see her yet."

"So why haven't you put a stop to this yet?"

"Because she's giving you a chance. Because, with only my authority over this out here, and my judgement never questioned by said King, I believe in letting her do pretty much whatever she wants. Because this is the perfect place to start a real relationship, not a stuffy sitting room surrounded by a battalion of uniformed officers. We've been dealing with this all year; how do you think it's gone on so long? That's dozens and dozens turned down, all of them at the drop of a hat. If she thinks you're special, we may finally be onto something."

He nodded along, surprised at every turn, but then smirked at him, in a rather friendly way. "But you do like her."

Eugene frowned. "Like I said, I have a girlfriend. And I'm here on a professional basis."

"That's not a yes or no."

"That's an 'It doesn't matter,' AND, 'It's none of your business.'"

Graham smirked harder and side eyed him teasingly. "That sounds like it might become my business."

"And this already is my job."

"And this is our 'job,'" he adapted, though he glanced away, sounding annoyed himself. The teasing smirk was sure to pin itself back on Eugene soon enough. "But you're also the one who found her. And, uh, she's gorgeous?"

Eugene cocked his head and clicked his tongue. "Gorgeous? Is that what you managed to talk for an hour about? Try again."

Graham chuckled and blushed. "She's, very interesting. And feisty."

"There ya go."

"So basically," he sassed again, "Don't hurt your girl."

Eugene finally took the opportunity to glare at him fully. "If you know our story, you know you really don't want to have to deal with me. You don't wanna mess with any of us."

He held his hands up in bemused surrender. "Wasn't planning on it," he chuckled. "Was that all?"

Eugene looked him up and down again. "I'm serious."

Graham fell back into his perfect posture again. "So am I."

"Good," Eugene tilted his head toward him, then held his arm back out towards the door. "After you."

With one more cheeky smile, Graham headed back inside -

- only to find Rapunzel had been waiting right by the door. She brushed past Graham, and pulled the door shut behind her.

"Rapunz-" Graham called back before it slammed in his face.

Eugene jumped back a few steps from the advancing Princess.

Rapunzel shoved at his shoulders, a little ball of fury. "What do you think you're doing?!"

"Whoa- hey-" He finally held his ground and stuck a finger up. "You have a protocol to follow, Missy." He stepped back up and leaned in her face. "And you know why."

"You know," her voice shook with rage, "I have come, a long way since then."

He likewise lowered his voice, "You have. But I do not give a fuck whatever else you wanna argue about that day; do not even try to order me to leave you alone because you know I will not."

"I'll be fine. He's nice!"

"'Nice.'" He rolled his eyes. "Rapunzel, you and I are the only ones in charge out here. I'll let you do whatever the hell you want, but I will not compromise your safety for a single second."

"Ugh, what, you're gonna watch us every second?"

"Yes! That's what chaperones are for. I gave you my knife but you are still not going to be alone with this guy."

"You're just jealous," she sneered.

"Rapunzel, I have a girlfriend. I am not trying to get back with you-"

"Could've fooled me yesterday."

"You started that-"

"No, you did-"

"Just- nevermind who started it - I am just trying to keep you safe here. I told you this even back then- I don't care, I'm fine; your safety's more important. Besides, you said so yourself - I promised your dad I'd stay by your side. Something happens out here, on my watch alone?! I- I can't even imagine-!"

She sighed and scoffed.

"Sorry, but no, I insist." He threw his hand back out toward the door. "Well? Prince Charming's waiting."

"Oh, please, he is not that charming."

Eugene gawked at her incredulously. "Maybe you should've brought a hand mirror, to see how your eyes were lighting up."

She grimaced at him. "What, you think I wanna marry someone after one conversation?"

"Well you don't have many options left, and this one's cute. He's smart. He is 'nice,' so far. His jaw looks like it was chiseled by Bernini himself. And you clearly like him."

"Sounds like you like him." She crossed her arms, teasing.

"Oh, shutup," he sneered. "From what I've caught so far, and how I've seen you reacting, yes I do. But that doesn't mean you let your guard down completely yet."

She sighed in concession. "I know… Um, so why did you wanna leave at five?"

He took a deep breath. "That's when Brenna gets off work. If she comes here…"

"Oh…" she finally sympathized. "Okay."

"Okay? I'm giving you space here, so will you please give me space?"

She hung her head and nodded.

"Thank you." Eugene finally walked through the door himself and held it open for her.

Graham was waiting there this time, scowling at Eugene, though his attention flipped to tender as he noticed her. "Rapunzel?"

"Everything's fine," she smiled but did not meet his eyes. "But, um, yes…" With a shake of her head, her smile and eyes were back in character and she found his. "He just has to get home to his girlfriend around five o'clock, that's all," she said cheerfully.

Behind her, Eugene nodded. "I'll be back over at the bar." He locked eyes with Graham, friendly, but firm, before taking his leave.

"Eugene wait," Rapunzel whined, defeat in her voice.

He turned back, and both he and Graham watched her with apprehension.

"Before you came over, I was going to ask Graham here if," she turned to him, "If you'd like to go for a walk? Or at least sit outside? It's so hot and cramped in here."

Eugene looked to Graham as well, signaling him to accept.

"Ah," Graham watched Eugene's face, "Sure, of course. If that's alright with your guard."

"Some fresh air sounds wonderful, BUT!" Eugene raised a finger in objection. "Finish your lunch first that I paid for, please?"

Rapunzel giggled at him for that. "Of course, and thank you, Eugene."

"Right," he nodded, smiling, and turned to head back to the bar.

Rapunzel twitched toward him, thinking to stop him, but she paused and merely headed back to the table with Graham. He finally ordered something to eat as well, and soon she was tapping Eugene's shoulder for them to all head out. Eugene in turn commandeered Big Nose for his own company.

---

"Maybe a cheeky bastard's who she needs after all… Still knows how to be sweet… Sensitive when it matters…"

Big Nose reclined against a large tree, listening to Eugene ramble.

Eugene, however, lay upside down, arms crossed behind his head with his legs extending up the tree trunk and boots crossed. He continued brainstorming out loud to the branches above. "Not too jealous, but touching that he considered me competition enough, heh."

"You've painted a different prototype after every guy she turns down, like you're trying to pin down some formula. Why?"

"She didn't turn this one down yet. And I mean, yeah. Oxford, The Royal Society, Philosophical Club, Latine loquitur. Seemed too perfect on paper; I wasn't expecting him to… actually seem good in person, too."

"Eh," Big Nose scratched at his neck, "A Prince can afford to always be nice an' all."

Eugene shook his head. "The things I'm worried about ain't things you need money to be nice about. I mean, is he really that interested in her as a person? I shouldn't be shocked, but there's been so few… And," he bit his lip and narrowed his eyes as the sun came out from behind a cloud, "He's handling the tower issue well so far."

"Really?"

"So far. There's sooo much to it though..."

---

A ways away, down near the river bank, Graham sat leaning back on his hands, legs straight out before him. At his side, Rapunzel had plopped straight down cross-legged, her skirt surrounding her in a cloudy poof, as she leaned over to play with the grass.

"So, while we have a bit more privacy, and, after all that, would you mind if we talked about your ex?"

"My what?" She sat up straight, alarmed.

"Your guard there."

"Eugene is not my ex," she scoffed. "We were never together."

"Maybe not, but he cares greatly for you."

She pursed a smile. "It's his job to. He's just my guard." She looked out to the river.

Graham looked her up and down, studying her troubled face. He smiled and dipped his head. "Very well then. What else would you like to talk about?"

She smirked back at him. "I have a question."

"Alright, shoot."

"Why are you only showing up now?"

"I only just finished my degree at Oxford a couple weeks ago. With my older brother to take over back home, and you still searching, I figured I'd finally throw my hat in. I'd visited Corona a few times so I knew how beautiful it is here, and you've of course become the most fascinating public figure in the past year," he chuckled.

She nodded along, then chuckled again, at a bit of a loss. "I do have to say, this is already much better than most of my other meetings have gone."

"Even with him over your shoulder- I mean, I'm sorry, I-"

She cringed, "No, you're right. But he's usually not around me at all. This was just 'cause you caught us on this little vacation. But he's right that we should still stick as close to protocol as we can."

He leaned toward her. "And what does that protocol entail exactly?"

"Well, supervision, basically." She watched him watching her.

"Supervision of…?"

"Armed supervision," she smirked.

"Offf?" He watched her lips as he drifted closer.

Her smirk widened as she watched his back. At the last moment, she whispered, "Jealous?"

He paused. "Isn't that what you're trying to make him?"

Her grin blew wide open. Yes, and you're too cute - and interesting! So if you're going to stick around, I wanna see…

---

"Whoa," Big Nose gawked.

"What?" Eugene twisted around to look, as, their hands not even touching anywhere, she leaned in the rest of the way. Just when I think I'm over it- just when I think I'm used to it… His personal refresher the day before was not helping. But he watched, to ensure she continued smiling.

---

As tantalizing as another new kiss was, she pulled away as soon as she felt his tongue slip out.

He pulled back as well, blushing. "Sorry," he shyly chuckled.

"It's okay," she chuckled back, his apology completely unexpected but certainly appreciated. "That is a lil fast though, I suppose."

"Hm," he nodded, but stole another smiling glimpse of her. "So, astronomy?"

"Mm-hm!"

---

"Do you have the time?" she asked, once she noticed the sun looked in about position for five o'clock.

Graham pulled out a pocket watch. "Ah, 4:30."

"We should head back though," she said sweetly, though reluctantly.

"As you wish," he grinned, every bit entranced as he had started.

Rapunzel stood up first, not even thinking to give him a chance to help her up. "Eugene?" she called ahead as she headed back up the bank, leaving Graham to catch up.

Big Nose shoved Eugene awake, and he instantly startled from where his head was laying against his thigh. He scrambled to his feet. "Your Highness," he dipped his head to her, eyes still waking up fully.

She giggled at him. "My ever-watchful guard?"

He smirked and shrugged. "You know I'm a light sleeper. And you were fine, weren't you?"

"Yes, yes I was, thank you."

"And besides," he shoved Big Nose's arm, "Had this guy keeping an eye out for me."

She chuckled at his supposed laziness. "Alright."

Eugene and Graham shared another wary but friendly look. He and Big Nose followed, while Graham graciously took a giggly Rapunzel on his arm.

---

"Eugene, it's been, interesting meeting you," Graham chuckled as they shook hands. "Though, I'm afraid to ask but I suppose I might as well - Off the record, are you the reason so many other suitors didn't stay?"

"No," Eugene giggled himself, "That's been purely her doing."

In between them, Rapunzel grinned, impishly proud.

"But for the record," Eugene added with his own cheeky smile, "Morde."

Graham's eyes went wide, first with recognition, then surprise, and finally settling on amusingly insulted.

Eugene laughed, though, and Graham followed. "Right though, I'll give you two a couple minutes…" Smiling graciously, Eugene turned on his heel and paced away.

Graham smirked back to Rapunzel. "So, I'm hoping I'll see you again?"

"I'll be back at the castle come Sunday," Rapunzel answered, but was worried. "What did he just say to you?"

He chuckled, "Something that could be considered not too polite."

Rapunzel sighed in aggravation, only making him chuckle more.

"It's fine, really." He collected her hands, bringing them both up to kiss. "Your Royal Highness. Any chance I might see you before then? You know, if you need a vacation from your vacation."

His twinkling blue eyes seemed to strike her for the very first time. The softness of his own gentle hands holding hers. She knew exactly why Eugene envied that jawline, harder than his, a wider chin. But all so smooth. Those luscious lips she had already sampled. And oh, he was looking for another kiss.

"Sorry," he caught himself, "Rapunzel."

She got ahold of her breathing, dropped his hands, and threw her arms around his shoulders for a hug, while he hugged back quickly enough. "Thank you," she giggled, "You've been wonderful." She released him, and his face unexpectedly caught her again. She grabbed the back of his neck for a kiss; eagerly reciprocated.

Over at the bar, Eugene was getting some bottles for the night and more food to go. He casually turned back to check on them, stunned again.

She released him again soon enough, though his forehead followed hers, his arms still wrapped around her, while she giggled at herself. "Ah, right... Um…"

"Or let him go home to his girlfriend, and you and I ride off into the sunset?"

Rapunzel completely cracked up. "Did you actually expect a line like that to work?"

"Well to non-princesses it usually does," he blushed.

"Oh, great," she nodded as he chuckled at himself.

"Alright then," he settled down. "Goodbye, Rapunzel."

"Hm, yes, goodbye." She watched as he followed his other men out the door, but he gave a quick wink and smirk back at her, that she caught with her breath.

Eugene left his sack of purchases at the bar, and came up beside Rapunzel, watching her watch him leave. His mouth fell open a little as he saw her eyes: real and genuine. No sign of that mask. "You like him… You- you really like him."

She gasped and startled, her attention darting back to him. Yes… Her breathing suddenly turned ragged, and she spun around to head back to the bar, gripping the edge for dear life. But...

Eugene remained frozen there, staring into the space where she had just been. ...no. He blinked, realizing yet again exactly what the situation truly was all around them. She hadn't liked any of them yet all this time - I'd gotten used to it. But - much as we've shared a bed and made out and tumbled around with each other - I HAD a princess - but she was never MINE. I didn't think I could lose her anymore than I already had. But now I've finally really lost her to a prince…

---

Back out on the road, Rapunzel sighed. Silence with him did not seem so awkward lately, but right now she was desperate for conversation. "Sooo, we are trying to sneak around? From Brenna?"

Eugene looked back at her, apologetic. "Look, I just don't wanna have to explain anything to her. Doesn't mean anything."

"Don't you miss her?"

"Yes," he immediately stressed. "I was supposed to be spending this week with her 'cause she's gonna be swamped at the castle working overtime."

She frowned and slightly rolled her eyes - which he noticed.

"What? Ya know why is it so hard for you to believe that I love my girlfriend?"

"I never said you didn't!" she snapped. "I do, actually, I do believe you really, really love her. I know you do. But you haven't talked about her much."

He shot her a look, their unique combination of accusation and shock, but with a tenderly understanding explanation on the way. "If you and I have any hope of being friendly and civil this week, then, no, I don't think torturing and antagonizing you by talking about my new girlfriend is really the greatest move. So," he calmed down with a deep breath and managed to keep his teasing to a friendly tone. "You're welcome for sparing your feelings."

"Sorry…" She dipped her head anyway and looked away. "Are you afraid she'll break up with you?"

He looked away in the opposite direction and whispered, "Yes…" then locked eyes with her again. "I'm always afraid of that."

She nodded sympathetically.

---

Rapunzel sat in the window, looking out over the sun setting and the colors it streaked across the sky in its final moments. "I've actually missed the view," she cooed with bittersweet nostalgia.

"Here."

She watched him hold one of the open bottles right beside her. "Oh," she took it with shaky hands, which he dutifully ignored, as he hung on an extra second to make sure she had a good grip on it. "What is it?" She squinted and tilted it to read the label in the dying light.

"Mead. Honeywine. Super sweet, super strong, but only half as strong as hard liquor. You'll like it."

She creased her brow at him and pouted.

He sighed exasperatedly. "I think you'll like it. It's ahh…" Licked and bit lips, and another little sigh. "It's a little stronger than the dessert wines…" ...that you first had that first week, and loved… He nodded off into that eternal past, and yanked the cork out of his own bottle.

"Oh," she perked up, appreciative for a frame of reference he knew she would understand. She looked between the bottles. "And what are you drinking?"

"Spiced rum."

"Do you have glasses? Or should I just..." Asking about what was in her own home yet again, threw off her center evermore. She had just barely gotten some hang of the castle, and now she no longer knew the tower. She trailed off as she noticed Eugene shaking his head with a sad smirk.

"You look like you need more than just a glass. Just try it."

She carefully took a sip from the bottle, and was pleasantly surprised. "Hmmm, okay," she cheered up the tiniest bit from the sweet drink, especially knowing it would soon be making her mind go mercifully fuzzy. And hopefully, in the morning, only one man would be clear in her mind, if only he would agree, if only for a time, if only… Or if he would disappear once and for all and another could possibly fill that void? She took a few more sips, thoroughly enjoying the cold honey taste.

The sun's last light snuffed itself out completely in an instant. The cool blue haze of twilight spread throughout the tower, covering everything in its grip, shadows passing over the rest.

Eugene nodded, then turned and folded his ample height down til he was plopped on the floor in front of her, legs sprawling out - propped up against the bannister.

Rapunzel watched him as her stomach and heart suddenly all twisted together in knots at the sight alone. In a faint but dazed voice, she thought to command him, "Don't sit there," but it came out as a begging plea.

He huffed off towards the rest of the tower, with a delirious smirk, then rolled his neck around back to her, to deadpan with a grimace. "Why."

"You know why," she whimpered.

"Mmm," he tilted the bottle up to take a few gulps to start off, his face bunched up but almost strangely grinning. Breathing back out the savory numbing burn of his throat, he finally looked back up toward her, but with unfocused eyes. "Nawww," he was suddenly very hoarse, "I can't think of a better spot."

"Euge…" she gasped, tears coming back as her breathing got harder.

He silently stared at her. I don't think you get to tell me how to cope.

Lips pursed in a frown, she desperately tilted her head back to stop tears from coming out. Not now- not now- not here- not like this- A sob finally broke out and she had to hang her head again.

But he found he also had an issue with her choice of seats. Deadly serious, he countered, "Why don't you come away from the window."

Shaking her head, she slid off, sloppily gripping the neck of the bottle, and plopped down on the first step beside him. "How can you…?"

He merely glanced at her, then slowly moved to take another swig. "So what do you wanna talk about."

She chuckled pathetically. "Not this..." She tried to take a deep breath, shifting the bottle from a cradling position to stare it down before her. "I don't know what to say..." Finally she kicked it back like the crutch it was supposed to be, that she so obviously needed right now. She drank more slowly, and savored the flavor still, but tried to down as much as she could nonetheless.

"Well what's bothering you."

"Everything. Nothing's right. You know that."

"Yeah, I do know that one..." he looked in the opposite direction of her, then pointedly looked back at her. "But what are you thinking about right now?"

"How badly I want to talk to you... and how badly I don't..."

"Why don't you wanna talk to me this time?"

"Because I don't know what you're doing sitting there."

"Hrmmm," another swig. "Yeah. Curious in'it. Me neither," his sharp tone bit. Before she could finish gasping indignantly at him, he continued. "And what DO you want to so badly talk to me about?"

She huffed defiantly. "Well for starters, what did you say to him?"

"'Bite me.'"

"WHAT!?"

"I said, 'Bite me,' in Latin," he laughed darkly. "But considering the circumstances, it was teasing, to mean I like him, but that I'm watching him. Which he got, which is why he was cool with it."

"Urgh…" She went back to her drink. "Why are you so okay with this?!"

"Okay with what?"

"With- him! And me! And any of these guys!"

"'Cause I know you gotta marry a prince?"

"If you still care about me then-"

"I care that you have a good life, with someone who treats you right, and that you'll be happy."

She scoffed viciously, rolling her eyes, and took another gulp, bigger than she expected. She winced as it overwhelmed her a bit, then went right back to poking at him. "But you totally don't care that it's not you. Uh-huh, that's why you're sitting there, brooding. 'Cause nothing about this could ever affect you, no, why should it."

"Not exactly." He calmly retreated to another sip.

She whined out defeatedly, and slid down off the step onto the floor, then leaned against his shoulder. "If you're okay with all that, then…"

He took a deep breath and sighed. Here we go again.

"Then," her face turned in toward his chest, and her hand came up to the crook of his elbow, "Why can't we just…" Her hand ran down over his sinewy forearm, as she grinned up to his ear. "Come on, weren't you ever curious? How it'd be like with us?" She snatched his earlobe in her teeth.

He gasped involuntarily, but kept his words straight. "I told you, 'No.'" He pulled away, but not enough to pull free, so his lobe just stretched there between them, as he bit his lip, savoring the feeling of her there. His heart and breath pounded. He knew full well he was leaning over that dark pool, recognized the exact reflection wavering there right in front of him, knew the abyss that awaited if he fell in. But he could not tear himself away from it.

"Whyyy?" she cooed teasingly.

"I'm not playing around. You know why. And because I have a girlfriend."

She smirked and shrugged. "What she doesn't know won't kill her."

"I would know!"

"And I won't tell her, I promise! I won't tell anyone!"

He gawked at her incredulously. "You promise? You promise to lie for me, about cheating?"

"Yes-"

"Ya know there's more to morals than 'promises.' And still, explicitly vowed yet or not, Brenna and I have basically promised each other to not hook up with other people."

"You were gonna do that with me-"

"That was different."

"How is that different? Because it's what you wanted?"

He paused, letting the air thicken around that, but finally shrugged. "That doesn't matter anymore."

"I don't matter," she interpreted.

His face snapped towards hers. "I never said that. You know I would never say that, no matter what."

Nonetheless, she tilted the bottle and took too big of a drink again.

With her head thrown back, he watched her thin delicate throat swallowing it down, as he saw himself wanting his own lips going down her neck. He gazed deeper into that dark pool as it splashed around.

She simply could not stand it, not one moment longer. Her fingers rubbed his collar between them, then, weakened, her arm fell and her fingers slid down the edge of the leather. Her shoulders hunched as she turned her face into his chest, retreating. That sweet excessive honeywine was working, if not exactly like how he said it would. It was indeed making the rest of the world disappear. Everything but him. It was indeed making her head fuzzy and blocking out emotions. Except for sadness and sorrow. This was the only thing she knew she could trust, the only thing that she knew was meant to be.

His neck tensed and he leaned his head away from her, desperately keeping his own inhibitions in check. First and foremost right now however, was keeping the dykes at his eyes secured, as she inspected his chest, again. C'mon, an old-new part of him told himself, She likes the real me. She wouldn't think any less- she'd let me cry on her shoulder - she cares about me. He shut himself down quick. She only said she did. Before. Whether it's changed or never was, NO. Open myself back up? Yeah, sure, and get knocked down. Again.

No, she could not stand it. This was it. Her fingers groped at the clasps, clumsily but quickly flicking them open, all of them.

He took a deep breath, as he looked down to lazily watch her. No, I can't... I told her 'no,' and 'no' it's going to stay. I can't be wishy-washy with this or flip-flop.

Her hand dove between the leather sides. She hit more fabric, thin cotton. She could still feel the warmth of him underneath, and how his squishy tummy coiled up tight at her touch. No sooner had he half-heartedly reached his hand toward her wrist, than he had missed, and dropped it back down, as she brought her hand back to his exposed clavicle. Smooth, warm... Safe. Her fingertips pressed into his chest a little heavier than she was aware of, feeling their way down to where that shirt met at the first button. Upon pinching it around for a moment, she brought her other hand up, and turned to kneel up, then straddled over him. With two hands now, she made quick work of the few small buttons.

His arms still felt like lead weights, magnetized to the floor. He vaguely recalled feeling more with it as he was dying. He watched her face as she attempted to undress him. She... SHE hurt me... so bad... "Rapunzel..." he whispered. The deeper you dig, the more you're gonna bring that hurt back to the surface. As much as he loved her touch, the way it burned was painful. He hated how he loved it. Hated that he did not even know which Rapunzel was over him here right now this time. Half hoped she had been real and truthful as he felt that morning; half wanted to curse her and be done forever so he could finally find peace and happiness elsewhere.

He's right here! Her hands slid along his skin, up to his shoulders. She fell forward, snuggling into the crook of his neck once more, as he groaned a little. She cooed. One hand caressed its way back down, just to his pec, then brushed between them. She giggled; she caught his heart racing.

His eyes slipped close and his brow slowly creased. Don't, don't, don't... Please... Dear God this is hard enough! I'm alive and well - so there's no escape from torture this time - and no sweet mutual declaration coming either… He bit his lip to hold his eyes back.

Her fingers reached up and caressed around his goatee; he lifted his chin away with a sharp inhale. With his shirt unbuttoned as far as it would go, she grabbed a fistful of it and yanked it out of his pants from where it had been tucked in. Pushing it up, her palm drank up the feel of his bare core.

"No," he said flatly.

"Oh, nooo?" she teased.

"Nooo, don't do that." He lolled his head back to look at her, deadpan.

"Oh, c'mon," she goaded. Her hands retreated to massaging the two halves of his mostly-open white shirt. "Everybody knows," she rolled her shoulders around suggestively, "That you want me."

"'Everybody?'" He rolled his eyes and lolled back away. Everybody but ME! - If everybody already thinks it, then why not? – Distraction, need to buy time. "Why's there only snow there? Around her door?"

She did not hear him. Her fingers were dipping to spreading over the top of his pecs, beneath the fabric, pushing the shoulders up off of him.

"-only snow there," he tried to correct himself. "Snow only there?"

She leaned forward and pecked his cheek.

He turned back to her, stunned.

She bit her lip as she grinned mischievously.

"Why are you doing this?" he asked simply.

She stared at his lips.

"Rapunzel…" he gasped, not for the reason she thought.

She pitched forward again and landed their lips together.

Eugene grunted and cringed, as his head was pinned back against the bannister and his breathing shuddered. Blondie! He could not stop his lips from responding somewhat - just like last time, just like that first time. He whimpered a moan out at the physical memory he could literally feel again, but now it practically felt like the knife might as well still be there. His hands finally sprang back up to wrangle her wrists and roughly jerked her away, but held her tightly in front of himself. "RaPun-zel," he groaned through gritted teeth, locking their eyes even in the dark. You healed me - Then you HURT me worse! "Get your hands OFF me."

"But-"

His brow furrowed, softening the reprimand even as he sharply interrupted her. "BUT I am taken. I have a girlfriend. Who I love!" his voice cracked."Who I want a-" family with!

"I know!" she cried, then finally sobbed her tears out. "I know that! But I don't care! I-"

"Yeah I know you don't care-" he hoarsely strained.

"No, I just- What does it matter?" She sobbed so hard she could not breathe. "What does anything matter? What does any of this matter? None of this matters." I don't matter. "One night, just one night with me, it won't matter…" I don't matter... I thought I could at least matter to you again… But if not then, yeah, it just doesn't matter...

His expression slowly morphed to a pitying grimace. Sweetheart... His lips twitched to say it, but all that came out was a gentle command. "Come here." He pulled but released her wrists and collected all of her into his lap, where she balled up, crying into his gently rocking chest. His hand came right up to sink into her hair and hold her neck and head against him. They both flinched a bit when he did so, but he pressed on, though, settling his hand back into the familiar spot. He shook his head, trying to look at her life with understanding. "I'm sorry, Rapunzel. I'm sorry." One night with you would have mattered the MOST… if only you loved me. His own tears spilled over.

What will get him to - I want THAT Eugene back! What does he want?! I'm offering him all I thought he still wanted… While she could, though, she took this chance to rub her tear streaked face into his bared chest, which he seemed to not mind.

I can't help that I care about you… "Rapunzel…" But we can't be just friends… At least I can't. And I can't just be friends with benefits, either! Single or not! "Everything's going to be okay."

"No," she cried, "No, you were right, it's not."

"Yes, it will be now. You've got your family who loves you, I know you will be fine, and I'm…" gonna be starting my own family…

"And you…" she cried. And he's not part of it!

"And I have someone, too," he said cheerfully through his own tears, as the butterflies in his stomach did somersaults. He sniffled.

She looked up to his face. "You're crying…" she stated in surprise.

Her eyes startled him into blurting, "I do care about you. But, I promise, everything is going to be okay. We'll both be happy again someday, someday soon."

She shook her head and retreated back to curl up on his chest. "You can't promise me that."

He held her close again. "I suppose not ultimately, but I do know it."

She scoffed. "You have more faith than me."

He stared out into space. "Just trust me, Rapunzel."

Surprising even herself, she chuckled. "Well, I do trust you."

"Good," he snuggled his arms around her.

"That's- that's why… I wanted you… Are you seriously still trying to tell me you're okay?"

He shook his head. "I'm not okay. Not right now."

"Then why."

"I don't know why."

But she grabbed the edges of his doublet, and pushed him back against the bannister. "Look at me!" she screamed in his face, "And tell me you don't want me!"

He looked at her puffy red cheeks and squinted eyes. "Not like this I don't!"

Each of her hands grabbed the sides of his collar, before she crumpled again, but did not let go.

"Rapunzel, I'm not yours."

Her face broke.

He winced at her.

She thrust herself forward again, harder.

His mouth twitched open, in repeat anticipation. And he tumbled into that sweet abyss.

Her lips landed on his, pinning his head against the bannister, as he unwittingly moaned his heart out. She whimpered as her tongue immediately met his in the middle, and his moan deepened as it carried on. Oh, the sounds he was making under her were going to get them both in trouble; trouble they both were running headlong into, connected, but each of their own accord, even if they drowned again. Maybe they could finally get the other to admit something trapped there in the dark.

But they thought they knew everything. And her breath felt like the sun had just come out from behind a cloud, to finally shine on his face even in this dead of night. Held back by nothing, his right hand easily whipped up into her hair, pressing her even harder into him, fingertips tugging at her locks ever so slightly. His moan turned into a whimper as well as he breathed her in, sucked her in. His other hand groped at her hip, pulling her to grind. Life, home, forever...

LIAR! Her hands pulled on his collar harder than ever, but once it was him keeping them connected, she grabbed at his cheeks. Warm and flushed under her palms, her thumbs rubbed over his cheekbones down to stubble, fingertips slipping into his silky hair. She startled at his hand practically cupping her buttcheek where she sat on his lap, but settled back into it just as quickly. In a smooth movement, she rolled her hips forward, feeling him gasp and throat choke into her mouth as her other lips pressed down on him. You ARE mine.

His eyes fluttered open a bit; her new short brown hair, her tender lips on his at last, her sweet whimpers of joy. Here. She. On him. Her taking him. But it did not feel like now. His breathing stuttered as he felt the same surge from the last time his heart felt jumpstarted by surprise like this. From his core to the back of his neck to the tips of his fingers, it consumed him as his pulse raced and chest thudded. His left hand moved from her hip to wrap tightly around her waist, as he fell to the right, flipping them over onto the floor.

Their moans screamed into each other. Her bare heels pulled up around his waist to lock him in; his head now held hers down against the floor. He rolled his hips up to hers, as if there were not layers and layers between them. Her throat cried out, as her hands moved to strap across his shoulders and reach down to his belt, pulling him closer still.

Everything felt like pure dancing light. Like victory in the early morning.

---

Don't worry. I love you. I'll take you away from here. I just wanna stay with you. We'll go anywhere you wanna go.

She giggled. Really?!

Yes. I love you. I promise. I'll take care of you. I've got it all figured out.

A dozen mood swings played across her face.

---

His hand left her hair only to brush her swoop back over her ear.

She whimpered and dug her nails into his neck. Overcome, dying to take everything from him, she rolled them over, so that she was on top. His doublet lay at their sides, completely open, but with his white shirt underneath as open as it could be, she ran her hand up from his hip towards his pect along his sweating torso and chest, pulling his shirt up with her.

---

I'll take you anywhere at all! Except, we should probably steer clear of Corona, considering how I'm 'wanted' there more than ever, haha!

Her mood swings finally settled on crushing despair.

What? What is it? The lights? We can come back next year!

---

His arms wrapped around her, holding her so dearly; pushing her down into position by her shoulders, as he rocked up against her again.

She tried to slip a hand between their pelvises, along his belt buckle.

He flipped them back over so he could tilt one hip away to accommodate her, as his hand went to caress around her ass and down her thigh, then back up past her ridden-up skirt edge. She had taken the knife off as soon as they got back; this was all open for him to touch, as much as she pleased, and it was pleasing her to no end.

---

Eugene.

What...

I am the Lost Princess.

---

With a strangled groan, he pulled his face away and opened his eyes, coming up from that abyssal nothingness for air. "Princess," he blurted, while he stilled where he lay on her. It was dark. Late at night. A different world. Almost that 'next year.' Why do you feel so much like that love when I know there's nothing there?!

Oh no. Her hands returned to his face, caressing his cheeks and brushing his bangs back, over and over. "Eugene," she softly urged, "It's okay." Her voice cracked. "It's okay."

He was shaking his knotted up face. "I can't do this. I can't do this," his hoarse voice strained. "I don't wanna be the bad guy. Not anymore. I have a girlfriend. And I've been good. I'm trying to be good!" It cracked, letting the sound of tears seep in, as he dropped his forehead to the floor. "Don't make me the bad guy..."

She shook her head right back, wincing. "You're not, you're not. Don't say that."

"I promised this wouldn't happen again."

"You also promised me it would never stop."

He looked back, straight into her eyes, long and hard. That was back when you were mine. Or at least I thought you were. But if-... if you could be? if? it would ruin everything else, but… if you say it now I will. I know I won't be able to stop it. if. if you destroy everything else like THAT I'll let you- should I even give you the chance? just say it, please! Please? if you say it- "Give me one good reason why I should uphold that."

She blinked at him, turning that demand over in her mind.

If not for the rum rushing through his veins, he would have been trembling. Instead, he just bore down atop her, faces drifting closer and closer without ever arriving.

A reason? Her pout and sorrowed brow, now turned to soured offense. Like it's just another DEAL?! A trade? An exchange? "Why do you need a reason?"

He drooped. God I must be too drunk already… that was stupid to think… So actually, not drunk enough.

"Isn't your word good enough?"

"How good my word is depends on who you are."

"Like," she deflated again, "Like it was conditional?"

"It was," he muttered as he slid off of her and back to his knees.

She propped up on her elbows. "It was?! Did you- Did you really jus-"

He looked back to her with a sneer. "Oh, knock it off. Me promising to not stop touching you was more like a sweet nothing, but it was conditional on us being together. So no, don't gimme crap for 'breaking a promise' like that after we broke up." He moved back to the bannister, grabbed his bottle, then tilted it high for a few more gulps. Coming back down, he let his lips linger around the wet edge, cauterizing and numbing them from the outside as well. With a deep sigh of empty mindless relief, his head wavered around in despair again, sufficiently dizzy and disoriented. One knee bent up, where his elbow braced, precariously holding the neck of the suspended bottle as he swung it around, letting it hang there.

Rapunzel watched him, feeling a thousand times more distant than the few inches she was. He looked tired, almost sickly, hazy, a slumping mess. He looked better when he was actually dying. He was more respectable as an escaped death-row thief. Now he was merely wallowing in his own problems. Her nose had wrinkled up at him. "You know, I did a lot for you, too."

"Yo-"

She got to her knees as she leaned in towards him, shoving a tiny fist down at her side. "You wouldn't even be alive if not for me!"

He narrowed his bloodshot and dark-circled eyes at her, only half because he needed to squint to focus on the revolving sight of her. He stared at how the bokeh circles that made up her face spun around for a long time while he lined their arguments up. "And how much of a sacrifice was it to cry over me?"

She took the hit harder than she ever expected from him. Like watching you die for me was easy?! Head tucked down in defense, she dipped her voice as low as she could. "Don't you dare- DON'T-"

He shook his head lazily. Yeah, yeah, you said you were willing to do the same but you didn't actually have to go through with it and now you don't appreciate a goddamn thing. "Oh, don't fuckin' start. I just wanted to drink with you."

"Eugene…" she cried, as every bit of her crumpled, inside and out.

"Don't cry," he sighed. "Rapunzel," he tried to say more soothingly, then jerked his head to motion. "Don't cry. Just come back over here." He grabbed her bottle from the far corner of the first step and pointedly set it down closer to him. "Come on."

She shook her head. "No…"

"Cooome ooon."

"No."

"Rapunz-"

She shot up a little at him, her face thoroughly red and wet. "How can you just sit there and drink yourselfff- stupid?!"

He sat up away from the bannister, hands out. "Because it hurts, Rapunzel!"

"You-"

"And yes, passing the fuck out, right here again, helps!"

"How could that possibly 'help?!'" She threw her hands out at a loss, then brought her palm back to her chest. "And you think I'm not hurting?!"

He clamored over to her, as she recoiled, but, kneeling in front of her, he threw his arms around her and pulled her to his chest.

Shaking there from her crying, in his arms, yet again, she fought with herself over whether to relax up against that toned and warm flesh, or not and keep pulling away.

"I know you are." His whole hand brushed her hair back. "But I can't give you what you want."

That had her sink into him, for better or worse, with a great sob that finally let her breathe. And I apparently can't be what you want… "You make it sound like you wish I hadn't saved you," she cried, pressing her forehead against his heart and clinging to his open shirt and doublet again despite it all.

"S-..." He silenced himself, then squeezed her tighter. "Sometimes I think about it- but ultimately, no. I- I mean yes. Erhh? Yes, I'm glad you saved me. It's just hard sometimes. But I'm alive and I got a handful of second chances, a real chance to actually be happy even."

She sniffled in another shuddering deep breath from his calming presence, returned. Happy without me...

He sighed and shook his head. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to drink with you. You," his voice showed his cracked smile. "You were really funny last time…"

She shook her head against him. "That was when I was happy."

"Yeah. Yeah I know." He rubbed her arms. "This… this isn't what I ever wanted at all. I don't want you to hurt, not really. I don't wanna make you cry, I don't wanna be the reason you're upset. I don't wanna be your bad guy, either."

"I don't wanna do any of that to you, either," she let herself mumble so quietly.

"I know, I know you don't. You're too sweet, really, I know that. But I push, and you push back- or vice versa, and well..." He tried to chuckle.

She giggled through a sob. He always hears me…

He rubbed her back, taking deep breaths himself. Friends? No, goddamnit I can't stay just-friends with her. But we can be friends tonight. "You wanna play a game?"

She chuckled again as she leaned away to look up at him. "Huhh, what?" But she did find herself smiling.

"I got a pack of cards." He motioned with his head towards the writing table.

"Oh… Well I don't remember how to-"

They locked eyes, before breaking away again.

Eugene gulped, but quietly said, "I'll show you again." But then he shrugged and chuckled. "Or we could at least play war with cards instead."

She guffawed at that, always desperately appreciative of how easily he could lighten their heavy moods. One look back at his crooked cocky smile, even on his tortured face, kept her laughing.

"Come on," he rubbed her shoulders again and stood, with a stumble. She giggled again, and he swore the sound alone physically helped him walk well enough. He pulled them from the drawer, then stood in the middle of the room and looked around. He pointed to the cushioned window seat questioningly, where bright moonlight was streaming in.

She nodded, made it to her feet herself, and grabbed their bottles to bring over.

"Oh no," he put a hand out to stop, but took it nonetheless, "If I gotta face wits with you, I need as many of mine as I can get."

She giggled. "Are you saying I should have the handicap?" she teased as she got comfortable on one side, her skirt bunched up to reveal her legs, surely only because of the humidity that still hung in the air.

He chuckled and nodded, shaking his shirt out to cool off as well, where he likewise left everything open. "Yeah, I guess. Here, you want a taste?"

"What?" she startled and looked back to see him holding his bottle out. She stared at the rim of the mouth.

He guffawed back at her stunned look. "Yeah, here, indirect kiss, take it while ya can."

She blushed, but took a very cautious sip. It was so little that any barely made it to her throat and merely burned a hole in her tongue, but she ended up feeling winded and coughing anyway. "Whooooaaaaa! No, no no no, noooo thank you," she laughed.

He smirked back at her and took another swig, this time just to show off. But shaking his head out afterward only showed his regret. He wheezed this time, "Yeah, that's how ya really get sloshed."

She giggled at him as he dis-coordinatedly tried to maneuver into the space opposite her. "Did you want some of mine?" She leaned over toward him.

He shrugged hesitatingly. "I probably won't be able to taste it now, but yeah, I should slow down." She held it out anyway, so he of course took it and, plagued by his own joke, his face flushed worse at the 'indirect kiss.'

This is better… this is the Eugene I know…

When he looked at her to hand it back, he got stuck on her eyes. Illuminated in pale moonlight, for a moment he instead saw a flicker of a warm fire's glow. That's the Rapunzel I sat with that night… He cleared his throat and, smiling, picked up the cards to cut.

She perked up to pay attention.

"Alright, so, first thing is…"

---

Best of three, she indeed won the second two of poker, once she got the hang of it again. He lucked out with two of three games of war though.

"Hah-HAH!" he gloated.

"Urgh," she groaned, but her grin only deepened as she doubled over atop their playing field.

"Aw, come ahn, best three outta five?"

She sat back up shaking her head.

"Naw? What else then?"

She looked down as her smile slightly faded, then through the window.

He watched her as carefully as he could, and prayed. Don't say sex or somethin...

This is just so nice… actually, best night I've had in almost a year… "Could Iii," she began as cutely as possible, arms nervously brought together in front of her, "Just sit with you? We don't have to talk."

He quirked at the suggestion. "And what, just stare at each other? That'll get very boring," he chuckled.

She reflexively mirrored his chuckle. "No, silly, I mean like, side by side…"

He stared at her critically, then turned to check the clock, which he could not make out. "I don't know what time it is-"

"Just to relax?"

He sighed, but was too drunk and tired to argue. He readjusted how he sat, and beckoned her over, to sit between him and the window pane.

She pitched forward with a twist, and plopped right into his arm, head nestled against his shoulder.

They both sighed and stared out the window up at the stars, both still nursing their bottles.

After a while in the surprisingly comfortable silence, Rapunzel spoke, her eyes still tracing constellations. "Why did you start living here?"

Eugene likewise stared up into literal space, watching his own mind. "I thought you said we didn't have to talk."

She sighed.

A moment later, though, he spoke up. "Why wouldn't you give any of the others a chance?"

She smirked. "I thought you didn't wanna talk?" She took another drink.

"Hm," he smirked. "Deal." He took one more drink, then leaned his head down atop hers, both gazing up at the stars, wondering what any of it meant.

---

He could tell the moment she fell asleep, to which he closed his eyes and sighed again, simply for knowing that. She had dozed off slowly enough so, besides a likely hangover, he knew she would be fine for the night. He twisted carefully so that where she leaned against him, she would fall into place in his arm. His other arm tilted her head inward, then slid under her knees, to lift her bridal-style again. Between her dead weight and him technically being more drunk, he staggered standing up with her. Extra slowly, his numb legs brought them upstairs, using the wall for support where he could.

He brushed past the curtain, careful not to let it brush her, lest it wake her. He carried her to the bed and laid her down as gently as he could manage at the moment. She automatically lay on her side away from him, but he pulled her onto her back, to untie her corset from the front, no matter how his hands had to lean on her chest to accomplish this. With vision failing and fingers tiring, he fought for concentration until he finally untied it, then figured out how to unlace it, entirely pulling the ribbon out. The sides fell open, surprising him with her thin shift over her newly freed breasts, shocking a few more brain cells back to work, before he shook his head and eyes back out. Gingerly, between pulling the corset and rolling her back over, he got it out from under her. He folded the corset over and gathered up the ribbon, then left it set on her vanity, beside his own bottles of cologne and powders.

She took up mostly the one side, so, with limited options and cognitive abilities, he flipped the rest of the quilt over to cover her. He tucked it around securely underneath her. After a long hazy look at her spiky brown ends poking out the top, he leaned over and kissed her temple again. "Good night…"

His mind teetered between "Blondie" and "Rapunzel." But with only a sigh, he headed out the door. He lumbered down the stairs, leaning hard on the railing, but paused halfway down, eyes wandering to the wall. A sweeping mural of a blonde-haired girl, with a wispy body as if flying through the air curving around the wall, closed-eyes smiled at him. This one he ran his hand over. "Blondie…"

With another long swig, just as-is, he collapsed on the sofa.

---

A/N: No experience is wasted on a writer! See, I knew drinking straight spiced rum out of a travel mug as a freshman in college would come in handy someday. Multiply by two for body weight, and voila!

Follow me asMiraNova23on tumblr, at miranova23 dot tumblr dot com for Tangled Fandom Resurrection, messaging, keeping up with what's going on in my life, how the writing's going, my other fanworks, lots of Chuck vs Tangled, and all-around general Disnerdiness!