Rapunzel's first Valentine's Day

It was Rapunzel's first Valentine's Day in the kingdom, and the world outside their chamber was already alive with festive activity. The villagers were busy decorating, and the scent of flowers and freshly baked sweets wafted through the air, but Rapunzel and Flynn were still sleeping tightly in their bed after they had shared a very passionate moment the night before.

Rapunzel lay nestled against Flynn's chest, while Flynn's arms were wrapped securely around her, holding her as though he could shield her from every worry in the world. Sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow over them, but it was Flynn who stirred awake first.

His eyes fluttered open, and a sleepy grin spread across his face as he took in the sight of his beautiful wife. Her face, relaxed in peaceful slumber, looked angelic. Flynn's heart swelled, the familiar wave of awe and gratitude washing over him. He took a moment to admire her and gently brushed his fingers along Rapunzel's bare shoulders. "How did I get so lucky?" he thought. His gaze traced the delicate line of her jaw, the faint curve of her smile, and he felt the steady rise and fall of her breath against his chest.

Unable to resist, he leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. Then, encouraged by the warmth of her skin beneath his lips, he kissed her cheek, trailing down to the corner of her mouth before finally capturing her lips in a sweet, lingering kiss.

Rapunzel stirred, her lips curving into a giggle even as her eyes fluttered open. She blinked up at him, her emerald eyes soft and warm.

"Best way to wake up ever!" she murmured, her voice light with joy as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss.

Flynn chuckled against her lips. "Good morning, my beautiful wife."

"Good morning, my handsome prince." she replied, her fingers dancing across his bare chest, tracing lazy patterns. She loved the warmth of his skin and the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm—a comforting reminder that he was here, alive, and wholly hers.

"Happy Valentine's Day, my sunshine." Flynn whispered, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"To you too, my sweet husband." Rapunzel giggled, tilting her head to look up at him. "But… why do we even call this day of romance that?"

Flynn grinned, already anticipating her curiosity. "To honor a saint named Valentine. He secretly married couples who weren't allowed to wed."

Rapunzel's eyes widened with interest. "Wait, what? Oh, we would've needed him when my parents forced us apart because of that ridiculous law! He could have married us!"

Flynn laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'm pretty sure Saint Valentine isn't alive anymore, my darling. But now…" he leaned over, opening the drawer of his bedside table and pulling out a small box. "Here. My Valentine's Day present for you. Do you like it? I made it myself."

Rapunzel gasped as she opened the box to find a necklace with hand-painted stones. The word "dream" was carved into one of the stones and woven delicately into the design.

"Oh, it's beautiful!" she breathed, her voice thick with emotion.

"No, you're beautiful!" Flynn said with a grin, kissing her temple once more.

She blushed deeply, laughing as she gently nudged him. "Oh, stop it! This is so wonderful—and you made it yourself? You're turning into an artist!"

"Well, I had a pretty good teacher." Flynn smirked. "And that's not all." He reached into the drawer again, pulling out a bouquet of red roses.

Her laughter bubbled over as he presented the flowers with a flourish.

"Here! These are for you! I found a book in the castle library and looked up what all the flowers and the colours signify. Red roses mean 'I love you,'" Flynn explained, handing her the bouquet. He then picked up a single pink rose. "Pink roses signify tenderness and gratitude." His tone softened as he kissed her cheek and caressed her lovingly. "And finally…" He revealed a small bundle of primroses. "These mean 'I can't live without you.' So, I got you a whole bunch of them."

Rapunzel's eyes sparkled with tears. "Oh, Eugene! These are beautiful, and it's so sweet that you looked up what they mean. I love you so much." She leaned in to kiss him, pouring all her love into that single moment.

"Of course, I wanted to show you how I feel about you! I love you, Rapunzel." He brushed her hair from her face.

"And I love you."

"And you will always be my dream. Sadly, I couldn't find a flower for that."

She laughed. "That doesn't matter. And you will always be mine. And now, my present for you." Rapunzel said excitedly, reaching into her drawer to pull out a painting.

Flynn took it with a wide grin, admiring the beautiful image of the two of them, hand in hand beneath a sky of floating lanterns. "Thank you, my darling. And look! You got my nose right!"

Rapunzel laughed. "Of course I did! I've kissed your nose a hundred times. How could I not? Oh, and I made these, too!" She pulled out a pair of socks. "I knitted them myself!"

Flynn laughed, pulling her into his arms. "Thank you, sunshine. I love them. And I love you."

"I love you more."

"Then I love you the most."

"And I, you too." she kissed him passionately, her hands roaming up to cradle his face.

After a moment, she giggled. "So, what are our plans for today, my love? I hope they include staying in bed all day with lots of kissing and…" She trailed off with a playful smirk, caressing his bare chest.

Flynn chuckled. "Sounds heavenly, but I thought you wanted to go to Attila's baking class later," he replied and kissed her neck.

She groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Oh, shall we really go out in public? You know we can't behave ourselves." She grinned mischievously and kissed him again, touching his bare chest. "Now let's stay here and do what we're best at."

Flynn smirked, leaning down to kiss her nose. "Tempting, but we have to leave this bed eventually. I want to spoil my wife with a breakfast of heart-shaped pancakes."

Her laughter filled the room as she pulled him back down for another kiss. "Deal. But only if you spoil me first in another way…"

"You want to do this very often, sunshine."

"What's the problem? We are married and in love! Now let's do it. Afterwards you can spoil me with the pancakes, then with a bath together, with lots of rose-petals." She giggled.

He smirked. "All right." He shifted her so that he was hovering over her and captured her lips with his. Then they made love as passionately as they always did. Their bodies moved in harmony, fitting together as if they were two pieces of a puzzle that were always meant to be together. Afterwards, they spent more time in bed, snuggling, kissing and telling each other how much they loved one another.

Later that morning, after their blissful start, Flynn eventually convinced Rapunzel to emerge from their warm cocoon of love to enjoy the breakfast he had planned. Heart-shaped pancakes with whipped cream and berries filled the table, and Flynn even added a sprinkle of chocolate in the shape of a sun symbol—a nod to Rapunzel's beloved emblem. She giggled at the gesture, her heart brimming with affection for her thoughtful husband.

They fed each other bites of pancake, laughing when whipped cream accidentally ended up on Flynn's nose. Of course, Rapunzel leaned across the table to kiss it off, prompting Flynn to grin mischievously and plant a quick kiss on her lips in return.

After breakfast, they decided to take a walk through the bustling village square, hand in hand. The town was alive with Valentine's Day festivities—flowers in every corner, couples dancing to lively music, and children exchanging handmade cards. Rapunzel's eyes sparkled as she soaked in the joy around her, though she kept tugging Flynn closer, unwilling to let go of his hand for even a moment and took every opportunity to steal another kiss from her husband.

As they made their way through the square, a familiar voice called out.

"Hey there, lovebirds!" It was Big Nose, waving enthusiastically with his wife Ellie at his side.

"Oh, hi, guys! Happy Valentine's Day to you!" Rapunzel chirped, giving a small wave back.

Ellie raised an eyebrow at Big Nose. "See that? Why can't you be as romantic as them, Lawrence?"

Big Nose bristled. "I can be romantic! Sometimes."

"Wait a second," Flynn said, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Your real name is Lawrence?"

Big Nose crossed his arms. "Yeah, and it's still better than your real name."

Rapunzel giggled, tugging Flynn's arm before he could respond. "Eugene, how about this: we go to a restaurant, then Attila's baking class, and after that, we finish the day back at our sanctuary—just the two of us—with lots of snuggling?"

Flynn's grin softened into a warm smile. "Whatever you want, sunshine. I just want to be with you."

Ellie clapped her hands together. "That sounds so romantic! Lawrence, we should do something like that too!"

Big Nose groaned. "Oh, please no. You know I don't like... baking."

"Why not?" Ellie nudged him sharply. "You could learn a lot from them!"

Rapunzel's face lit up with an idea. "You know what? Why don't you both join us? A double date!"

Flynn turned to her with wide eyes. "Do we have to, sunshine?"

"Come on! It'll be fun! And we'll still be together the whole time!"

Flynn sighed, already surrendering to the joy on her face. "Alright. If it makes you happy."

Ellie beamed. "I'd love to join! What do you think, Lawrence?"

Big Nose looked between his wife and the smiling couple. "Fine. But only because you're making me."

With that, the group headed to Greno's new restaurant. They found a cozy table adorned with candles.

"Oh, look how romantic Greno's made everything!" Rapunzel said, resting her head on Flynn's shoulder. He slipped his arm around her, his touch protective and affectionate. "Not that we need candles, of course," she continued, grinning up at him. "Everything's already romantic because we're together."

Flynn pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Couldn't have said it better myself. Hey, Greno!" he called out. "We'll take a couple of sandwiches and two cocoas, please."

Rapunzel gasped softly. "Aw, Eugene! You know me so well. That's exactly what I was going to order!" She leaned in and kissed him.

Ellie turned to Big Nose with narrowed eyes. "Well? Aren't you going to order for both of us?"

Big Nose fumbled with the menu. "Uh... sure! What do you want?"

Ellie groaned. "You don't know what I want?"

"Of course I do! Uh… a steak?"

Ellie's jaw dropped. "Lawrence! I'm a vegetarian!"

"I… forgot? You know I get nervous under pressure!" Big Nose sputtered.

Ellie sighed dramatically and turned to Greno. "Just get me a salad and a steak for him." She threw her husband an exasperated look. "See? I know you better than you know me."

Greno raised an eyebrow but quickly scribbled down the order. Big Nose muttered an apology, scratching the back of his neck.

"You two alright over there?" Rapunzel asked gently.

"Oh, we're fine," Ellie said, waving it off. "He's just the most unromantic man in the world."

Rapunzel tilted her head. "Really? He seemed romantic when we first met him!"

Ellie sighed. "He must've lost it somewhere along the way."

Flynn chuckled, squeezing Rapunzel's hand. "See, sunshine? You've got it good with me."

"Of course I do!" she said with a giggle, leaning into him. "And don't you forget it!"

As their food arrived, Rapunzel began feeding Flynn bites of her food with a playful grin. Flynn returned the favor, both laughing softly as they teased each other. Meanwhile, Big Nose and Ellie exchanged awkward glances, their attempts at mimicry only ending in Ellie's unimpressed eye roll.

Later, they arrived at Attila's bakery. "Here we are, Attila! And don't worry, today will definitely be better than your class a few months ago!" Rapunzel laughed.

"I hope so! First…"

"Yes, we know! Cupcakes! Come on, Eugene!" Flynn stood behind Rapunzel, his hands guiding hers as they mixed batter. They smiled at each other, and he kissed her cheek. "Focus, Eugene!" she teased as he nuzzled her neck.

"I can't focus on anything but you," he whispered, earning a blush and a giggle from her.

"Oh! Do you have to be so cute?"

"Only because you are!" They kissed passionately again while the others stared at them.

"Um…" Attila started.

"Should we do something?" Big Nose asked.

Ellie shrugged. "Let them be. They're sweet together. Unlike some people."

"Um…guys!" Attila waved in front of Rapunzel and Flynn who were still kissing. "Rapunzel? Flynn?" They both stopped, looking over.

"Oh, Hehe!" Rapunzel laughed nervously. "Sorry! We just…well, we got lost in the moment, I guess!"

"I'd advise you to get a room!"

"Oh, we already have one, perhaps we should have stayed there. I told you so, Eugene. But Attila, it won't happen again!"

"Let's not make promises we can't keep!" Flynn laughed while Rapunzel put her head on his shoulder, hugging him. Then they went back to baking the cupcake.

Ellie and Big Nose still glanced at them. "I'm telling you: Wait for the finale with the messages on the gingerbread hearts! You know, these two don't have the mental synchronisation that we have. Just remember what happened last time! They both completely misunderstood the assignment! This will be our big moment!" He said.

"You better deliver!" Ellie said. Later they all had their gingerbread hearts.

"Okay, and now for the grand finale! And this time, I have decided that the couple with the most romantic messages will get a cake as a gift! Alright. Now, show us your romantic messages, Big Nose!"

"Okay, just watch!" He proudly displayed his to Ellie. "Ellie, I heart you!"

Ellie smirked, holding up her own. "And I heart you! Oh, you finally got something right!"

"Now try to top that!" Big Nose said to Flynn.

"Okay. Rapunzel!" Flynn held out his heart. "You probably already know what my heart says. 'You are my new dream'."

Rapunzel smiled and held out her heart. "And you are mine!" Big Nose and Ellie stared at them with open mouths.

"And…they have topped it!" Ellie said.

"You guys are the winners! I have never heard anything more romantic!" Attila said, handing them the cake.

Rapunzel giggled. "Yes, that's right! Oh, come here!" She jumped into Flynn's arms and kissed him.

"I am not happy with this day, Lawrence." Ellie sighed.

Big Nose folded his arms, narrowing his eyes at Flynn and Rapunzel as they embraced. "This is all your fault, you know," he declared dramatically.

Rapunzel and Flynn turned, blinking in confusion. "Wait, what?" Flynn asked, his tone tinged with both amusement and incredulity.

"Yes, you two!" Big Nose huffed, pointing a finger. "You're too perfect together! You've set the bar so high, it makes the rest of us look bad. Especially you, Rider! Always so romantic, always so—ugh—charming. You're ruining Valentine's Day for normal couples like us!"

"Excuse me?" Flynn raised an eyebrow. "How is it my fault that you don't know how to impress your girl?"

Ellie sighed. "Lawrence, I swear—"

"No, no, Ellie, let me handle this!" Flynn cut in with mock gravity, stepping forward. "Look, Big Nose, first off, I'm not perfect. Far from it. And second, if you need tips, I'm happy to help." He leaned closer, adopting a conspiratorial tone. "Rule number one: Your wife is always right. Rule number two: When she's wrong, refer to rule number one. It's foolproof."

Big Nose snorted. "Oh yeah? What if she asks if she's pretty with messy hair and wearing pyjamas?"

Flynn smirked. "If you don't think she's gorgeous no matter what, why did you marry her?"

Ellie's eyes narrowed. "Oh, so now you're saying I don't look good in the morning?"

Big Nose floundered, waving his hands defensively. "I didn't say that! Not at all!"

Flynn turned to Rapunzel, shaking his head with exaggerated exasperation. "I told you this double date was a bad idea."

Rapunzel chuckled, looping her arm through Flynn's. "Okay, time out!" she said brightly, addressing Ellie and Big Nose. "Look, every relationship is different. Eugene and me? Sure, we're pretty mushy sometimes, but that's just because of what we've been through. You don't need to compare yourselves to us—or anyone else. The only relationship that matters is yours."

Ellie crossed her arms, looking uncertain. "I don't know…"

Rapunzel smiled warmly. "Ellie, you two haven't gone through the kind of crazy, life-threatening adventure we have, and that's a good thing. Be happy that your story isn't filled with separations, heartbreak and... death. Cherish the simple moments—they're just as special."

Flynn nodded. "Yeah, what she said. Trust me, Rapunzel's always right. Rule number one."

Ellie's shoulders softened as she looked at Big Nose. "You know what? She's right. I've been comparing too much. The only thing that should matter today is our love."

Big Nose straightened, puffing out his chest. "You're absolutely right, sweetheart! Let's make this day about us! Because I—" he made a clumsy heart shape with his hands— "heart you, Ellie."

Ellie laughed, rolling her eyes but making the same gesture back. "And I heart you too, Lawrence."

Rapunzel clasped her hands together. "Aww, see? You're perfect just the way you are!"

Flynn leaned in, smirking. "What do you think, Sunshine? Should we do the heart thing too?"

Rapunzel grinned. "I'm shocked you even have to ask!" She shaped her hands into a heart, and Flynn followed suit before pulling her into a kiss.

The rest of the day was filled with sweet little moments—them dancing in the town square, Flynn buying her a delicate bracelet with sun-shaped charms from a street vendor, and both of them sneaking kisses whenever they thought no one was looking. It was clear to anyone who saw them that they were hopelessly in love, their affection practically radiating off them.

As the sun set, they returned to the castle, where Flynn surprised Rapunzel with a private rooftop dinner under the stars. Lanterns floated in the night sky, a callback to the magical moment that had brought them together. "I thought it'd be fitting," Flynn said softly as he pulled out a chair for her. "Our first Valentine's Day should feel just as special as that night."

Rapunzel's eyes filled with tears of joy as she hugged him tightly. "Every moment with you is special," she whispered. "But this… this is perfect."

After dinner, they returned to their chambers, where the rose-petal-filled bath Rapunzel had cheekily requested earlier was waiting for them. They bathed together, Flynn tenderly washing her short hair as she leaned against him, sighing contentedly. Their quiet laughter and whispered words of love filled the room.

When they finally returned to their bed, they snuggled close under the covers, their limbs entwined.

"So, how did you like our first Valentine's Day?" Rapunzel asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she snuggled closer to her husband.

Flynn held her tightly, his lips brushing her temple. "Today was perfect." he murmured. "Because I spent every second with you."

Rapunzel smiled, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his bare chest. "You make every day perfect, Eugene. I'm so lucky to have you."

"And just so you know, my darling," Flynn said, his tone light yet sincere. "I would also love and cherish you as romantically as possible every day… if I hadn't almost lost you many times."

"Yeah, me too." Rapunzel replied, her voice softening with the weight of memory.

"I love you, Rapunzel." Flynn said, his words warm and steady, like a promise. "More than life itself."

"And I love you too, more than life itself! I know that sounds bad, but…"

"Yeah, I guess it does." Flynn teased with a small chuckle, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But what can we do? We're simply mad about each other."

"And we are each other's new dream!" Rapunzel added with a playful sparkle in her eyes.

"And we always will be," Flynn said, his voice softening. A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Hm, maybe we really are the perfect couple."

"Oh, maybe!" she giggled, her cheeks flushing.

He tilted her chin up, kissing her deeply. "We're lucky to have each other, sunshine. And I'm never letting go."

He leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a kiss that was slow, tender, and full of love. It deepened as they moved closer, their bodies pressing together as if drawn by an unshakable force. Every touch, every kiss, was a promise—of love, devotion, and eternity.

The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of their love and the intimacy they shared. As they gave themselves to each other completely, their passion was a mix of fire and tenderness, of whispers and gasps, of hearts beating wildly but in unison.

Afterward, they lay tangled together beneath the soft sheets. Flynn had Rapunzel nestled against his chest. His arms were wrapped securely around her, holding her as though he feared she might disappear.

"Are you okay, sunshine?" he asked softly, his voice filled with concern and love as his fingers traced lazy patterns on her bare back.

She lifted her head, resting her chin on his chest to look into his eyes. Her smile was radiant, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes sparkled with happiness. "I'm perfect," she said. "You make everything perfect."

Flynn's heart swelled, and he kissed the top of her head, breathing in the familiar, comforting scent of her. "You make my whole world brighter, Rapunzel. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm so grateful every single day."

She leaned up and kissed him softly, her lips lingering against his. "We deserve each other, Eugene. You're my hero, my prince, my everything."

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other, exchanging sweet words and tender touches. Rapunzel pressed her ear to his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat—a sound she adored. It was the music of his life, a life they shared, and a life she cherished.

As they drifted off to sleep in each other's arms, their hearts were full of love, knowing this was only the beginning of many more magical Valentine's Days to come.