Chapter Text
Holiday in Corona
Corona was covered in a blanket of snow but that did nothing to deter the kingdom's holiday preparations. It would be the first Yule since the lost princess had been found. Evergreen garlands covered in festive ribbons adorned every shop; red and green candles filled every light post. There was even a giant fir tree in the town square, topped with Corona's signature sunburst.
Everywhere Rapunzel looked, she was both awed and overjoyed by everything she saw. She had never celebrated a real Yule when she was in the tower. The only indication she'd ever had that there was even a winter holiday was Gothel making them a special meal that wasn't hazelnut soup. After eighteen years of isolation, the idea of making new traditions with her parents, Cass, Eugene, and all their friends thrilled the golden haired princess. She'd already bombarded both Cass and Eugene with a million questions each about Yule. She was so ready to help decorate the tree with the townsfolk and enjoy all the gingerbread she could stomach. She had spent weeks making sure she had the perfect gifts for everyone. The gang from the Snuggly Duckling had been the easiest to get gifts for while her own parents had been much harder than Rapunzel had anticipated. And then there was Varian's gift - or, rather, what should be done with it. The young Alchemist had vanished without a trace after the snow storm.
"... And I've gotta say, I looked just amazing in those festive colours. I should have had two suits made. Don't you agree Blondie?"
Rapunzel's frown deepened, her thoughts still on Varian and not the festivities around her. She didn't notice Eugene had stopped walking with her until she felt a tug on her arm. She turned, flashing him an apologetic smile.
"Are you all right, Rapunzel?" Eugene asked, his usual happy go lucky demeanour turning somber. The reformed thief had been more concerned than usual about his girlfriend. She had been so excited about the upcoming holiday for months but now it seemed like she was more distracted than usual and not in a good way. Everything that had happened when Rapunzel was queen for the day had killed her abundance of holiday spirit.
Eugene hated it.
"I'm fine. What should we do next?" Rapunzel said determinedly.
Eugene took her free hand in his. "It's okay to be sad, Rapunzel. Even during the holidays." As he spoke, he gently rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles in a soothing manner.
Leaning in close, Rapunzel kissed Eugene's cheek. "I've had too many sad holidays. I don't want to waste another moment of my life not making memories with everyone."
"I want that, too," said Eugene. He let go of one of her hands to tenderly brush some of her golden hair back from her face.
"I want to make decorations for all the trees in the castle and try Uncle Monty's candy canes and have our portraits done in ugly yule clothes!" rambled Rapunzel as she slid easily back into a cheerful mood. "Oh! And can we try eggnog? And some of that Arendellian chocolate we were sent?"
"Even ugly Yule outfits would look great on me, Blondie," pointed out Eugene as he let her pull away and make her way down the street.
"And then we need to go carolling! Ooooh and make snow angels and build a giant snowman!"
"Rapunzel, wait!" Eugene called out, stopping the princess in her tracks.
"What is it, Eugene?"
The brunet pointed to an evergreen garland hanging above Rapunzel's head. "There's mistletoe on that garland."
"What's mistletoe for?" she asked excitedly.
Eugene closed the distance between them again and pulled Rapunzel into his arms. "This," he said softly, flashing his trademark smolder at her before kissing her.
"Happy Yule, Eugene," Rapunzel said softly when their kiss had ended.
"Happy Yule, Rapunzel."