Chapter Text
Rapunzel sat quietly in the library, kicking her feet impatiently. She only wanted to show Eugene how magical the Day of Hearts could be, it wasn’t her fault he’d woken up all tiny and adorable and…and unable to do things! She huffed to herself and crossed her arms.
“Rapunzel,” Moth- Mom ’s voice sounded amused yet firm. “Please don’t be mad at Eugene. It isn’t his fault he’s such a darling little thing.” She put down her glasses on the book she had been reading, holding out a hand. Rapunzel approached immediately and melted into the offered embrace. Warm hands stroked at her cheek, her shoulder, the top of her hair.
“I’m sorry,” she relinquished her pouting easily enough. “Will Papa be upset with me?”
“Why would Papa be upset?” she looked into her mother’s eyes with wide fearful ones.
“Cause I was mean to Eugene, and Papa likes Eugene when he’s small, and he spoils him and stuff and…” she nibbled at her lip. "And he’s really cute!” She finished, looking a little put out at the fact. The queen laughed and kissed her on the forehead.
“Don’t worry, darling. Nobody is upset. Now…shall we go and wake Eugene up from his nap?”
Rapunzel nodded and skipped over to the doorway, singing a little song to herself. Pascal was perched on her shoulder as always, chirping away to her in time to the melody. When they entered the nursery that the king and queen had commissioned for the not-quite-prince, Eugene was still fast asleep. Sprawled out on his back, the bright purple pacifier with the royal flower on it bobbed between his lips lazily. He smelt of flowery hair oils and gentle lotions and the queen gave a soft smile. It seemed that her husband had taken quite the care in putting their little rogue down for his nap- hair brushing and massage included. She perched on the edge of the bed and Rapunzel held back slightly, watching. Eugene’s shirt was tucked up over his belly button, nothing but a diaper and a pair of bright blue socks on his lower half. He held his blanket tightly against his cheek, fingers curled in on the comfort object. He looked peaceful and serene, his legs slightly splayed to accommodate for the bulk of the diaper. The soft muted scent of baby powder greeted her nose as she bent down and gently began to kiss across his face. “Time to wake up, my little prince.”
Eugene furrowed his brow, groaning softly as he turned his head toward her seeking out the warmth. She laughed as a set of petulant brown eyes met hers, his lips working more urgently around the pacifier now. “I know, I know, always so grumpy when you wake up, aren't you?” Eugene's eyes floated lazily across her face, then to Rapunzel's waiting form with a little blush. She reached one hand down and tutted softly. “Punz my love, can you go and get me some changing supplies? Someone is very wet, aren't they?” She crooned to Eugene, who simply meant into her touch with a little mewl. Seeing to his needs like this always made him feel safe, and she was glad to be able to step in and give him the parental experience he'd never gotten. Eugene kicked his feet lazily, batting at her hands with his own as she pulled a clean onesie over his head. Rapunzel returned a moment later with his bag and beamed happily.
“I'll tell him a story while you clean him, so he won't get fussy!” And she promptly began a rather enthusiastic fairy tale as she sat up near his head. He sucked at his pacifier and rubbed the fabric of his blanket idly against his cheek. In no time at all, Eugene was clean and dry, bundled into a onesie patterned with little ducks and bunnies. “Here now, who wants to go outside for a walk? It's a lovely day, and I thought we could have a picnic when your father is finished with his paperwork.”
Rapunzel cheered brightly and hopped around her in a little dance as she carried Eugene in her arms. Together they made their way out into the midday sunlight. She had a blanket ready, and a basket of food and wine. Some of Eugene's toys waited for them, and she put him down on his tummy. He sucked his pacifier and swatted at the blocks with clumsy hands while they ate, and by the time the sun set, it was time to put both squirmy littles into bed. Eugene settled into his bassinet nearby the royal bed, and Rapunzel in her cozy trundle bed on the other side of Eugene. The table at the end of the large bed contained all the supplies they would need should either little one need something in the night. Everyone had ample blankets and pillows. Eugene had his blanket. Rapunzel had her stuffed capybara. The candles burned low. The fire crackled. It was peaceful in the castle for the first time in days.