Chapter Text
Rapunzel still couldn’t believe he was alive.
Moments ago, Flynn had gone still in her arms. Now he was warm beneath her hands, breathing and blinking. Her tear had fallen onto his cheek, and somehow, the magic had brought him back. And now she was kissing him, desperately and grateful that he was alive.
Flynn kissed her back, one hand cradling the back of her head, fingers trembling. But it didn’t feel like enough for her.
I almost lost him. He was gone. And now he’s here. I need to know he’s real. I need more. More than kissing. More closeness. More Eugene.
Without really thinking, her hands slipped beneath his shirt, seeking warmth, skin, proof that he was alive and hers.
Flynn stiffened instantly. Too fast. Too much. I can’t... I can’t do this. This reminds me of...
His body reacted before his mind could stop it. Touch wasn’t simple for him. It wasn’t comfort. It reminded him of painful memories, of danger, control, hands that didn’t ask. Laughter that wasn’t kind. Rooms that locked from the outside.
Flynn gently caught her wrists and pulled back. “Rapunzel, wait. Can we… slow down?”
Her heart dropped. Oh no. Did I do something wrong? Did I push too far?
“I’m sorry,” she said, pulling her hands away. “Was that bad? I just... I wanted to be closer to you.”
“No, no,” he said quickly. I can’t let her feel guilty. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I just… I literally died two minutes ago. My brain’s still catching up. How... how did you even do that?”
She searched his face, both relieved and confused. “My tears brought you back. I think there was still magic left in me.”
“Your tears?” Flynn echoed.
She nodded, smiling softly. “You cut my hair. You knew it would destroy the magic. You were really willing to die for me?”
Flynn swallowed. She deserves to know. She has to know how I feel about her. Even though I’m terrified of what comes after love confessions. But she should know. “Rapunzel… I love you. More than anything. More than my own life.”
Her face lit up like the morning sun. “Oh, Eugene. I love you too.”
The words hit him. She loves me. Me. A thief. A liar. A nobody who renamed himself because of his pathetic past. And yet here she is. The most beautiful soul in the world says she loves me. How can this be real? How do I deserve this?
She kissed him again, deeper this time, her tongue brushing is carefully, and he felt her hands wander beneath his shirt again, her body pressing closer, pulling him to the ground with her, legs wrapping around his waist.
Panic flared. No. Not like this. I can’t do this. It’s too much. It’s too painful. I can’t do this.
Memories flashed, ones he tried to forget. The orphanage. Authority figures who didn’t protect. Touch that meant power and pain, not affection.
Flynn pulled back again, more urgently. “Rapunzel, please.”
Her smile faltered. Why does he keep stopping? Doesn’t he want me? Did I misunderstand everything?
“Don’t you want me?” she asked quietly.
The hurt in her voice stabbed him. No. I can’t let her feel hurt. But I can’t give her what she wants. It scares me too much. And I should never do this before marriage anyway. “It’s not that,” he said carefully. “Kissing can lead to... more. And more has consequences.”
“Consequences?”
Flynn rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “Like pregnancy.”
She blinked. “What’s that?”
He stared at her. You’ve got to be kidding me. She’s 18. She should know about this stuff. But of course, she doesn’t. She was locked in a tower with only a narcissistic mother for company. And she never explained that stuff to her.
“Okay,” Flynn exhaled, rubbing his face. “Very short version. If people who love each other get very close... It’s how babies happen. And that kind of closeness should only happen between married people.”
“Married?”
“A promise,” he said softly. “Between two people who love each other. To stay together. To love only each other. Forever. Until death shall part them. It exists so men don’t walk away and leave women alone with children. Like my father did. He impregnated my mother without marrying her and then left her to starve. I swore I’d never do that. I swore I would never share that kind of closeness before marriage,” he added quietly. Or at all. Because it still scares me so much and reminds me of hands touching me inappropriately against my will. I know, Rapunzel would never hurt me, but I just can’t do that yet. And I can’t do that to her before marriage.
She smiled gently. “That sounds beautiful. So… when will we marry?”
Flynn’s stomach dropped. Of course she would ask that. “Someday,” he said weakly. “When I have something to offer. Money. Home. A real life. That can take time.”
She looked like she didn’t understand why that mattered. Oh, he worries about such little things. “I don’t care about money,” she said. Then she hesitated. “And there’s something I need to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“That witch… she wasn’t my real mother. She stole me as a baby. And I found out who my real parents are.” She took a breath. “Eugene… I’m the lost princess.”
The world tilted. No, no, no. This can’t be. But it makes so much sense. Of course she is. Her birthday. Her resemblance to the queen.
Flynn stumbled back against the staircase, breathing heavily, dragging a hand over his face. You fool. You really thought you could have a happy ending? She is a princess. She doesn’t belong with you. She belongs with a prince. You didn’t need to worry about the future because you will never have one with her anyway. Besides you wouldn’t have been able to give her anything. No home. No money. Not even the closeness she clearly wants because of your pathetic trauma. You have nothing to offer her. She deserves everything and you can’t give her anything. You don’t deserve her. Tears formed in his eyes, and he tried to blink them away.
“Eugene, what is it?” Rapunzel asked softly, reaching for him. What’s happening to him? Why is he crying?
“Rapunzel,” Flynn said, trying to sound steady. “Then I’m taking you back to your parents now. And then I’ll leave. Forever.”
“What?!” she asked, horrified. No, no, no. Don’t leave me. Not when I just found you.
“There can’t be an ‘us,’” he said hoarsely. “A royal can’t marry a common thief. You’ll be expected to marry some prince.”
She gasped, terrified. “That’s awful! Why would anyone do that?”
“Because that’s how the world works. It’s cruel, Rapunzel,” Flynn answered, blinking back tears. “I did that to my parents as well. My father was royalty. My mother wasn’t. And he left her because of that.”
“Your father was royalty?” Her eyes widened. “Then that means you’re royal too!”
Flynn laughed bitterly. “No. I’m just a royal’s bastard child. I’m the mistake. No title. No inheritance. And your parents nearly had me hanged today.”
Rapunzel went pale. “So, it’s true? They really wanted to hang you?”
“Yes, they tried to execute me this morning. No trial. No last words.”
Her hands curled into fists. They almost killed him. The man I love. The man who saved me. The only one who actually looked for me and rescued me from the tower while the kingdom did nothing.
“Then I won’t go back,” she said fiercely.
“What?!” Flynn asked in horror.
“If we don’t tell them who I am, we can stay together. We can marry. We can leave the kingdom. We can share that closeness,” she said excitedly, grabbing him by the collar of his vest and kissing him deeply.
Flynn pulled away sharply. No. I won’t let her throw away her life for me. I don’t deserve her. I never did.
“Rapunzel, stop. You don’t belong with me. You belong with your family. With safety. With silk and warm beds and luxury and subjects who adore you.”
“I don’t want silk!” she cried. “I want you.”
“But I can’t give you anything,” he shot back. “No home. No money. No honest job. No security. Nothing.” Not even the closeness you want because I’m so pathetic. “With me, you’d live in complete poverty on the streets because I can’t provide and be in constant danger. They could hurt you because of me. Your parents can give you all you deserve. Everything you could ever want while I could give you nothing. If you left with me and gave up so much to be with me, you’d resent me in no time. You would hate me.”
“I would never hate you,” she said fiercely.
You would. One day. When you realize love doesn’t fill empty pockets. When you’d sleep in the cold next to a broken man who can’t give you anything you deserve. When you’d be in danger, scraping by for the rest of your life because you chose a rat like me.
“They sentenced you to death over a crown!” she said furiously. “And they never even did anything for me in 18 years. They never even found me. You did. They barely even looked. They just threw lanterns into the air and mourned themselves without searching for me. And then they nearly doomed me to be a prisoner for the rest of my life because they wanted to kill the only man who loved me enough to look for me at all costs. They spent more money hunting you, killing you than looking for me. Why would I choose them over you?”
Flynn’s resolve wavered. She’s not wrong. But loving someone sometimes means stepping back. I would only drag her down. I can’t give her anything, not even the closeness she wants. Her parents could give her everything she needs, everything she could ever want. I’d be a monster if I let her throw a live of luxury, of royalty, of having everything away to live on the streets in utter poverty with a mistake like me.
“You have to meet them,” he said gently. “You deserve to know where you came from. You deserve everything they could give you. You have to go back and meet them and live with them.”
“And what about us?”
Flynn swallowed hard. “It’s impossible. Nobody would let a princess love a thief. They will probably choose a better man for you. And it’s for the best.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks. “So, you’re leaving me?”
“No,” he whispered. “I’m loving you enough to let you go.”
She reached for him again, desperate. “Eugene, please.”
“I’m sorry, Rapunzel,” Flynn said, stopping her hands and pushing them back gently despite how much it hurt. “My answer is no.”
She felt something inside her crack. He’s leaving me. He thinks I want a palace more than him.
Anger rose inside her, hot and sharp. “NO,” she shouted, standing abruptly. “They don’t deserve me! They did nothing for eighteen years except light lanterns and mourn themselves. And today they almost killed the man I love over a piece of metal! If they had succeeded,” she continued, “I would still be trapped. You saved me. Not them. And you’re the one I want. Not luxury. Not my parents. Not the kingdom. You. I’d rather live in poverty with you than in luxury without you.”
Flynn watched her, torn in two. She would choose me. She really would. And that terrified him more than anything. Because if she chose him, and he failed her… he would never forgive himself. No, I can’t let her do this. I’d be the biggest jerk on earth if I let her give up so much for me. Her and me is just impossible. She belongs with someone else and maybe it’s for the better. I’m too broken to even love her physically. I panic at touching or kissing. That’s no life for her. Even if the thought of some other man having her kills me... She deserves a prince. A man who can give her anything she wants and I can’t. We are impossible.
“Rapunzel,” he said softly, aching, “you deserve everything. Even if that everything isn’t me.”
And for the first time since she had left the tower, she felt truly lost.
“No, Eugene,” Rapunzel said, tears spilling down her face. “I just want and need you. And love. Nothing else.”
Flynn turned away, covering his face. “You can’t have me. But you can have love with another man.” Even if it kills me. But I have no right to her. She belongs with a prince.
Rapunzel gasped in horror, sobbing uncontrollably now. No. No other man. I want my Eugene, nobody else. “No, Eugene,” she cried desperately. “I don’t want another man. I want you. I don’t want to be married off to someone else and then...” Her breath caught as a terrifying thought struck her. “Wait. That closeness you said people are only supposed to share after marriage… If they marry me off to some prince… would I be forced to do that with him?” she asked, panic flashing across her face.
Flynn couldn’t stop the tears forming in his eyes. The thought of some other man touching her or kissing her against her will the way I was as a child... No. That can never happen. But perhaps, she would fall in love with one of those princes and they would surely fall for her as well. How could they not? Anyone would.
“Maybe,” he choked out. “But don’t worry,” he added quickly. “You’re the most beautiful, most wonderful woman in the entire universe. Any man who meets you will fall madly in love. You could choose anyone you want.” Anyone except me. “And they would all treat you the way you deserve.” The way I never could. They could give you everything. I can’t even kiss you or love you physically without panicking. I can’t even promise we’d have food tomorrow. The idea of her starving beside him was unbearable. No, I could never let her leave the kingdom with me.
“Then I want to choose you,” she sobbed.
“No, I can’t give you what you deserve.” The tears finally spilled freely down his face. “I can’t give you anything. Your parents and those princes could give you anything. You have to go back.”
“No,” she shouted in tears. “Eugene, please. I don’t want to go back. And I especially don’t want to marry someone else. I want to leave the kingdom with you and never return. My parents never did anything for me in 18 years. They don’t deserve me back. I don’t care if you don’t have any money. I would gladly live in poverty if it’s with you. I want to marry you and share that closeness with you and nobody else. Please, I wouldn’t even be giving up anything I want. I never asked to be a princess. I don’t want it if it means losing you. Please, let’s just leave.”
Flynn clenched his fists. She’s serious. She wants to throw everything away for me. No, I won’t let her. I have to end this now. I have to break up no matter how much it hurts.
He lifted his head, tears streaking down his face. “I said no, Rapunzel!” he suddenly shouted. “Look, I’m sorry but I won’t let you give up so much for me. It’s just not right. I have to do what’s best for you. I’m sorry for what comes next.”
He gently took her hands, squeezing them.
No, no, no, Rapunzel thought frantically. Don’t say goodbye. Don’t. Please.
“Rapunzel.” Flynn took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, but we have to break up.”
“NO!” she screamed in tears, sobbing. No! I can’t lose him. I can’t.
Flynn closed his eyes in pain. Seeing her cry that desperately hurt him more than any wound he had ever taken. I’m so sorry, sunshine. But it’s the only way.
“I mean, technically we were never a real couple anyway,” he said in tears.
“But we love each other,” she cried, still sobbing.
“Love isn’t always enough. We come from different worlds. We can never be together. And it’s better this way.”
“No, no, no,” Rapunzel sobbed, shaking her head violently. “Please. Let’s leave the kingdom. Let’s marry in secret. Let’s love each other.”
Flynn forced himself to stay firm. If he wavered even for a second, he would give in. And then she’d lose everything. I can’t let her lose anything because of me.
“No,” he said softly but firmly. “I’m sorry, Rapunzel but my answer is no and you can’t change my mind.” He fumbled with the lock of his shackle that was still around his wrist until he slipped free, then gently took her hand and pulled her to her feet. She stumbled beside him, still crying. Flynn swallowed hard and guided her toward the hidden staircase.
“I’ll take you back to your parents now.” Even if it breaks both of us.
“No!” she shouted, pulling her hand away with all the strength she had. “They tried to hang you over a crown this very morning. They are horrible. They’ve already betrayed me the minute they sentenced you to death. And what if they try to kill you again the minute we return?” I can’t watch him die again. I wouldn’t survive it.
Flynn shook his head weakly, tears running down his cheeks. “I deserved that sentence,” he whispered. “And honestly… that would be a blessing.”
Rapunzel gasped in horror. “What?!” No, no, no. How can he even say something this cruel?!
“If I can’t be with you,” Flynn continued, heartbroken. “Then I don’t want to live anymore.” He laughed bitterly through his tears. “I’d rather be dead. I wish I had never come back to life.” She is my everything. My reason for breathing. If I can’t have her, I’d rather die. Without her… what’s the point?
“NO!” she sobbed uncontrollably. This is a disaster. If only I had never told him. I broke him. My poor Eugene. How hurt must he be? How much pain must he be in to think death is better than living? I can’t take this anymore. I can’t lose him again. Even the thought of it is torture. I would rather die myself than watch them kill him.
Rapunzel sunk to her knees, crying, clutching his hands desperately. “Please, Eugene,” she cried. “Don’t do this. I can’t watch them hang you or shoot you when we return. I can never lose you again. I won’t survive it. Please, I can’t watch that. I can’t watch you hanging from a rope. Please, don’t do this to me. Please. I love you.”
Flynn swallowed hard, his chest aching. “If that’s too painful to see,” he said quietly, tears spilling freely. “Maybe I can kill myself in advance.”
“NO!” she screamed. “What’s the matter with you?!”
“Then you don’t have to see me hanging from the noose.”
“NO! NO! NO!” Rapunzel cried. She buried her face in her hands and wept. He has completely lost his mind. He wants to die for me again just to reunite me with those monsters who would kill him over a stupid crown. People who don’t deserve me at all. I don’t want them. I want him.
She lifted her head just as Flynn slowly turned toward the window. “Maybe I could jump. That’s at least better than seeing me hang.”
Rapunzel shot to her feet and grabbed his arm. “NO!” Okay, that’s it. He’s completely out of his mind. She looked around desperately until she spotted the frying pan, grabbing it. I have to stop him from bringing me back and dying for me again. I can’t lose him. Never again. I have to do whatever it takes.
“I’m sorry, Rapunzel,” Flynn said, tears still falling as he stepped toward the window again. “I have to do what’s best for you.”
Rapunzel couldn’t take it anymore. “I can’t let you die for me again,” she whispered in tears.
Before she could lose her nerve, she raised the frying pan and knocked him out. Flynn staggered and collapsed onto the floor in the exact same place where he had died only minutes earlier.
“NO! Eugene!” Rapunzel screamed and dropped to her knees, gathering him in her arms, weeping. Gods, what have I done? I hurt him! I just wanted to stop him from dying for me again, but I hurt him. I hurt him! I’m a monster!
“I just wanted to stop you from dying,” she cried. “I didn’t mean to hurt you!”
She rocked Flynn’s unconscious body in her arms, tears falling onto his face. “Eugene, wake up,” she pleaded desperately. “Please, come back to me. Please.” Don’t leave me again. I can’t live without you.
She pressed frantic kisses all over his face. “Wake up. Please, stay with me, Eugene. Please,” she begged, sobbing. “I love you. I love you so much.”
Flynn began to stir faintly in her arms, slowly blinking up at her. “R-Rapunzel?” he murmured groggily. Am I alive? Am I back? What happened?
She gasped. “Eugene?”
Flynn blinked, smiling faintly. “Did I ever tell you I’ve got a thing for…”
“Eugene!” Rapunzel beamed in overwhelming relief and grabbed his vest, pulling him into a fierce kiss. He’s okay. I didn’t hurt him too much. He’s okay. He came back to me. He’s okay.
Flynn froze in shock, widening his eyes. She’s kissing me? Stars, she’s kissing me. She wants me. Maybe she returns my feelings. Oh, how could I ever deserve this?
He closed his eyes and returned her kiss. But then her hands slid beneath his shirt, pulling him closer, her mouth opening as her tongue brushed teasingly against his and he stiffened.
No, this is too much. Too much closeness. It reminds me of… No, I can’t do that now.
Flynn gently but firmly pulled back. “Woah, Rapunzel… I mean… hang on a second.”
She rested her forehead against his, smiling with relief. “You’re okay,” she whispered.
“Yes,” Flynn murmured, still trying to piece things together. “Somehow. What happened?”
“Um…” she hesitated. “What’s the last thing you remember?” she asked carefully. Perhaps he has forgotten his suicide mission. Perhaps now I can get him to talk reasonably. Please say you forgot. Please.
“Uh… I died,” he said.
“And then?” she asked.
“And then… you brought me back somehow…”
“And then?”
Flynn frowned in concentration. “Uh… and then we… No, that must have been a dream, or…” His eyes widened slightly. “Wait… didn’t we just...? Did we really kiss?” Flynn asked hopefully. Did I dream it? Or does she really return my feelings? Could I really be that lucky? Please say yes.
“Yes,” she smiled. “We did. And don’t you know what happened after that?” That would be wonderful. If he forgot the princess reveal, I could just keep it a secret and get him to marry me and then he can’t leave me ever again.
“Um…” What did happen afterwards? I can’t remember and thinking makes my head ache. Flynn rubbed his forehead, frowning. “I don’t know what happened after the kiss.”
Rapunzel grinned. That’s perfect. I won’t tell him what happened after that. He would just lose his mind and try to die for me again. I can’t let him. I can’t survive losing him ever again. He’s all I want. I don’t want the kingdom or my awful parents. I want him. And like this, I can have him. “Well…” She twirled a finger against his shoulder playfully. “After that we confessed our love for each other.”
Flynn gasped happily. “Confessed our love?” he asked breathlessly. Did she just say that? Does this mean she… does she return my love?
“Yes,” Rapunzel smiled. “You said you love me…”
“I do,” he said, cupping her cheek. “I love you, Rapunzel. And does this mean you…”
She nodded, smiling widely. “Yes, I love you too.”
“Really?” Flynn asked, afraid he might have misheard.
“Yes,” she laughed, delighted. “And then…” She kissed him fiercely, nipping slightly at his lower lip, making him groan.
She loves me. The most beautiful soul in the world loves me. This is too good to be true.
He returned her kiss, holding her close but when her hand slid beneath his shirt and the other fumbled with his belt, he gently pulled back. She wants more than kissing. But I can’t do that now. I can’t… “Woah, Rapunzel… I… We… we can’t…”
“Oh,” she said sweetly, teasing him. “I forgot to mention, after we both confessed our feelings and kissed each other, we both wanted more, so you proposed.”
“What?!” Flynn caught her shoulders, searching her face. I proposed? No, that can’t be. Why would I do that? I have nothing to offer her, no money, no home, nothing besides my whole heart and I’m too afraid to… Oh, and she doesn’t even know about closeness yet anyway… But she just tried to… But I can’t… It reminds me of painful memories. I mean, I could work on that, but I still don’t have anything to offer. I’d have to build a life from the scratch. I can’t… Gosh, how could I marry her?
Rapunzel bit her lip. Okay, I technically lied. But I can’t tell him the truth. Or else, he will want to take me back to the kingdom again and they’ll kill him and marry me off to someone else. And he won’t listen. He would die for me again. He just tried it. I can’t tell him I’m the princess. And I have to get him to marry me. Once he promised to love me forever, he can’t take that promise back even if he remembers or finds out the truth later. I need that promise no matter what.
“Rapunzel,” Flynn stammered. “I can’t… I mean, I want to but I… I don’t have anything and… Wait.” He hesitated. “You said, I proposed. Well, if that really happened, I assume you said no and I fainted because of that?”
“No,” she said, smiling. “I said yes.”
Flynn widened his eyes. She said yes? She wants to be my wife? How can this be real? What is this miracle? This can’t be right. It’s too good to be true.
He laughed nervously, brushing her cheek. “Did you also hit your head?” he asked jokingly.
“No, why?” she asked, confused.
“Well…” He hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. “How can I put this? Um… That’s a horrible decision, really.”
“What?” Her smile faltered.
“Rapunzel… I’m not exactly… husband material,” Flynn said weakly.
“Husband?” she asked.
“That’s how you call a married man. And a married woman is a wife. If you don’t even know that, how could we…”
She crossed her arms. “Do you think I’m not mature enough? Do you see me like a little child?” I’ll show him. I’ll make him see me as a woman… I’ll get him. I’ll do whatever it takes even if I have to manipulate him a little.
Flynn grabbed her hands gently, squeezing them. “No, no, of course not,” he said quickly. “I Just meant…” He sighed. “Rapunzel, I don’t have anything. No money. No home. No honest job. I have nothing to offer you.” I don’t even know if I could give you that closeness you just wanted.
“I don’t care,” she said firmly. “I just want you.”
“But you’re the most beautiful and most wonderful woman in the world. You could have any man you want.”
“Good.” She smirked. “Then I want you.”
Flynn smiled helplessly. She wants me. Me. But I don’t deserve her. I have nothing. And something tells me I have no right to her. I don’t know why but it’s like my mind knows I will never be good enough for her. I can’t give her what she deserves.
“Rapunzel, please, I… I’m not…”
But she silenced him with a kiss, letting her tongue brush teasingly against his. She pulled him down to the ground with her. Her hands returned beneath his shirt and her legs wrapped around his waist. Finally… I have him. Just him. And I won’t let go.
Flynn stiffened and pulled back, breathing heavily. “Rapunzel…” He rested his forehead against hers, closing his eyes for a moment. “I can’t. This kind of closeness should only happen between people who are married.”
“Then marry me,” she said simply.
“But Rapunzel, I… I’m wanted in the kingdom. They tried to hang me this morning. You’d never be safe with me. You’d be alone and widowed in no time.”
She brushed his cheek tenderly. “Then we leave the kingdom and go somewhere else. There is nothing holding me here in this kingdom.” Nothing. My parents never did anything for me. And they tried to kill the man I love. I’ll never return to them. Never. I want to go with my Eugene. No matter where.
“But I don’t have anything to offer you,” Flynn argued weakly. “I don’t have money to provide for you. Or buy you a ring or a wedding dress or a home for us.”
“I don’t care about money. And we can use some of mother’s money which is still in this tower.”
Flynn shook his head immediately. “No, I’m not stealing again.”
“It’s not stealing. She owes me. And I’m sure in another kingdom we would find a good job for you.”
“But…” But I’m not good enough. I would just drag her down with me. I can’t give her anything. Not even the physical closeness she clearly wants.
She kissed him fiercely again. “No buts,” she murmured against his lips. “We love each other. We’ll leave the kingdom, marry, and share that closeness.”
“How do you even know about that?” Flynn asked carefully. She was locked inside a tower for 18 years with only a witch mother for company. Did she really tell her about this?
“Well,” she giggled. “Pascal and I often watched animal couples through a binocular. We sometimes saw them… doing certain things. And I just have this feeling inside me and this need to be close to you… And I’d really like to see you without a shirt on,” she teased, letting her fingers wander beneath the edge of his shirt.
Flynn stiffened, catching her hands, trembling. “Uh… I…” he stammered.
Rapunzel’s smile faded. “What is it?” she asked gently. Does he really not want me? Why is he always pulling away? I know he loves me. So why doesn’t he just promise to marry me and love me in every way? Why won’t he let me close?
Flynn exhaled. She should know. I can’t keep this from her. “It’s just that I… I…” he struggled.
She tilted her head. “Does this closeness… scare you?”
He closed his eyes, nodding. “Yes. A little.”
“Why?” she asked softly.
“Well.” Flynn hesitated. “When I was a child at the orphanage… People touched me inappropriately against my will. More than once.” He swallowed hard. “It just made me afraid of this.”
Her heart broke. Oh, my poor Eugene. That’s awful. He was hurt so much. Maybe that’s why he believes he is not good enough. Why he thought he deserved death. I have to help him.
She cupped his cheek. “Oh, Eugene. I’m so sorry that happened to you. But I promise, I would only ever touch you with love.”
“I know, and I trust you, but… This is not easy for me.” He touched her hand on his cheek. “Rapunzel, it’s just… I can’t give you what you deserve. And I know that I’m not good enough for you. You deserve better than me. You deserve a prince.”
She gasped, breathing heavily. No, no, no. He can’t remember. If he does, he’ll take me back and die for me again. I can’t lose him. Never again. Never.
Flynn immediately wrapped his arms around her, brushing soothing circles on her back. “Hey, hey, what’s wrong?” he asked, alarmed. Gosh, she is shaking. What’s happening to my Rapunzel? I can’t stand seeing her in pain. She deserves only joy for the rest of her life. She suffered enough for a lifetime.
She clung to him tightly. “Eugene, please don’t think you’re not good enough,” she said desperately. “You’re all I want. Please, take me away from here and marry me. Please.” She looked up at him with tearful eyes. “Don’t you want me?”
Flynn sighed, resting his forehead against hers. “Rapunzel, of course I want you. I love you. More than anything. More than life itself. But I can’t give you the life you deserve.”
“I don’t care if you don’t have any money. I just want you. Please, Eugene. Marry me. As soon as possible.” Her fingers tightened in his vest.
Flynn brushed a tear from her cheek. “Listen, sunshine…”
She blinked. “Sunshine?”
“Yes, it fits your personality, and you also are my sunshine because you light up my whole world.” He smiled.
Her heart swelled. Oh, he’s so sweet. How can he think he’s not enough?
“But what I wanted to say is, you’ve been through so much today. You should get some rest.” Flynn gently gathered her into his arms and stood.
“Will you now marry me?” she asked.
Flynn shifted her slightly in his arms as he carried her up the staircase. “I’ll bring you to your room so you can sleep a little and rest.”
“With you?” she asked hopefully.
Flynn’s face turned red. “No, not before marriage.”
“Then marry me,” she said, frustrated. Why can’t he just do it? I need that promise. After that, he can’t leave me again even if he remembers the truth.
Flynn reached the top of the stairs and carried her to her room. “Get some sleep first, Rapunzel and then we decide what to do next.”
When he set her down on her bed and tried to step away, she caught his arm and pulled him back with all the strength she had. “Eugene, please,” she sobbed. “Don’t leave me. Never again. Please, promise you’ll marry me. Why can’t you promise me that?”
Flynn sighed. I hate that I make her feel this way. But she should not make a reckless decision which she would later regret. “Rapunzel, listen.” He sat next to her on the bed, brushing her knuckles. “I want you to be really sure about this. I mean, even if you would one day change your mind and stop loving me, I would of course let you go even if we’re married. I would release you from those vows anytime. But marriage isn’t just the promise. I mean, you clearly want physical closeness which happens after marriage. And that closeness can lead to children.”
“I know,” she said. “You already explained that to me before you fainted.”
Flynn cupped her cheek. “I just… I don’t ever want a child to grow up the way I did. If I ever marry and have children, I want that with someone who would truly want me forever. Someone who would never leave.”
“I do want you forever,” she said fiercely. “And I never want to leave you.” How can he even think I would ever stop loving him? How can he think he is not enough?
“I just want you to be absolutely sure about this.”
“I am sure about this. Aren’t you sure about this?” she asked anxiously. Her eyes filled with fear. “Are you thinking about leaving me?”
“No,” Flynn said at once, squeezing her hands. Oh, how can she even think that? She is all I want. She’s my whole world. I could never stop loving her. “I would never leave you, Rapunzel. Never. I know that you’re the only one for me. Forever.” He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I could never be with another woman. You’re the one. My true love.”
Rapunzel smiled through her tears. “And you’re mine. So, please, marry me.”
Flynn exhaled, closing his eyes. Then he rested his forehead against hers. “I’ll need some time. To take you somewhere I’m not wanted and find a job to provide for you and earn money for a ring and a dress for you. It could take a while. But if you still want me after that… Then I’ll marry you and… and give you that closeness you want. I’ll get over my fears, I promise. But I need you to think about this carefully.”
Rapunzel beamed and pulled him into a deep kiss. He basically said yes. He’ll marry me. Now, I just have to get him to do it as soon as possible before his memories come back and he wants to die again. I have to hurry.
She pulled him down onto the bed with her, nipping at his lower lip, while her hands started to pull up his vest and shirt.
Flynn broke the kiss quickly, panting. No, too much. Too fast. I just can’t… “No, Rapunzel, please. I promised myself I’d never do that before marriage. You see, my father did that to my mother and…”
“I know, I know. You also told me that before you fainted. But you can just marry me now and…”
“One question,” he interrupted gently. “Why did I even faint earlier and why can’t I remember what happened before that?”
“Uh…” Rapunzel stammered. Say anything but the truth. Just lie. “Uh, you were so… overwhelmed because I said yes to the proposal and you were still weak from dying that you just fainted and that made you forget some things.” I’m such a liar but I have no choice. I can never lose him again and if he knows the truth, he’ll try to take me back to the kingdom… and die again. Lying protects him.
“Oh, okay,” Flynn replied. Am I really that fragile that I would faint immediately? “Then I guess we should both get some rest now.” He tried to stand but she grabbed his arm, pulling him back.
“Don’t go. Stay here with me.”
He hesitated. “But you need to rest and sleep. And I shouldn’t be here while you do.”
“Why not? I’d love to fall asleep in your arms.”
Flynn flinched, pulling away. “No,” he muttered. “I can’t do that. People shouldn’t sleep in the same bed until they’re married.” I just can’t stand being touched and if I’m so close to her, she’ll want more again. And I can’t give her more. I know she would never hurt me, but I’m still scared.
“Then marry me now,” she insisted.
“I can’t, Rapunzel. You need to overthink it and I need to earn money.”
She crossed her arms. “I’m telling you, I won’t wait forever. I want this and I want this as soon as possible.”
Flynn dragged a hand down his face. Gosh, she is really impatient. But I can’t blame her. She has been waiting her whole life. But what if she regrets choosing me one day? What if she realizes she deserves someone better? Only then it will be too late because when we become truly intimate, she could have a baby, and I could never leave her with a child. But then she would be forced to stay with me despite being unhappy. Ugh.
“Eugene?” Rapunzel’s voice pulled him out of his spiralling thoughts.
“Hm?” Flynn peeked at her through his fingers.
“Come here and lie down with me,” she ordered. “And then tomorrow we can leave the kingdom, and you can find a job. And then you will marry me, understand?” If he won’t listen any other way, I’ll just make him.
Flynn exhaled shakily, nodding. “Okay, but we won’t do anything tonight, okay? I can only promise you that kind of closeness on our wedding night. But not before that.” I guess, I really have to work on my fears if she wants this so badly.
Rapunzel sighed, frustrated. “Alright. But now come here and let me sleep in your arms.”
Flynn hesitated. “But we’re leaving our clothes on,” he added quickly. “Understand?”
“Understand. Now come here.” She held out her arms. Flynn came over and laid on the bed next to her. She immediately scooted close, snuggling against his chest and kissed him deeply. Her tongue teased his while her hands wandered lower down his stomach. He groaned helplessly and pulled away.
“Rapunzel, please. I can’t do this and I don’t want it.”
She gasped, tears forming in her eyes.
Flynn dragged a hand down his face. No, no, no. I’m hurting her. I’m such a curse. She deserves only joy for the rest of her life and I’m giving her tears. He gently took her hands, squeezing them. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. But we have to be careful. This stuff is dangerous and can lead to children. I have to think responsibly. I can’t let that happen unless we’re at least married.”
“Then marry me,” she said in the most frustrated tone imaginable.
Flynn sighed. “Give it some time, overthink it and if you still want it after that… I’ll be the happiest man alive to make it real.”
“I’m not waiting forever for you. And you will do as I say. I demand it,” she said angrily. I’ve had it with him. He is just looking for an excuse to leave me. All I want is for him to love me. Why can’t I have that?
“Okay, okay,” Flynn said quickly, raising his hands in surrender. “But now please try to sleep a little. It’s been a long day.”
Rapunzel buried her face against his chest, silently sobbing.
Flynn wrapped his arms around her protectively. “Good night, Rapunzel,” he said gently. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” she said bitterly. And that’s so painful. My whole life is a curse. I almost wish I could use magic to make him want me and make him stay. But I want him to choose me for me. Still, I’ll do anything to get him. I will marry him soon and then he can never leave me again.
Flynn sighed. I hurt her. I’m such a mistake. But I swear, I’ll become someone worthy of her and then give her all she wants. And I’ll work so I can marry her if she still wants me then and also give her the closeness I’m terrified of. I would do anything for her. I love her.
Soon, exhaustion from the long, emotional day claimed them both and they drifted into a deep sleep, wrapped safely in each other’s arms.
The next morning, Rapunzel woke first, still nestled against Flynn’s chest. She blinked up at him.
There he is. I have to get him to marry me before he remembers the princess reveal and gets himself killed. But he is so stubborn. If only I had something to force him. I can’t take this any longer. I want everything with him.
Carefully, she began unbuttoning his vest and slipped it from his shoulders. Then she tried to pull up his shirt and fumbled with his belt. Flynn’s hand suddenly caught hers.
“Rapunzel,” he murmured sleepily. “What are you doing?”
“I’m the girl you will marry. I have a right to do this.”
Flynn groaned, closing his eyes. Gosh, she is so insistent. But I can’t let her undress me. Rapunzel grabbed him and pulled him into a passionate kiss, making him groan helplessly. He tried to return the kiss as best as he could, but her hands wandered lower again and he had to pull back.
“Rapunzel, no. I can’t let this stuff happen before a wedding celebration,” he said, breathing harder.
“Then marry me today.”
He dragged a hand down his face. She will be the death of me. But how could I marry her in my situation? I’m the biggest disappointment in the universe and she is far too good for me. I don’t deserve her. She deserves someone better. I’d only drag her down with me.
“Rapunzel,” Flynn said quietly, pain in his voice. “I don’t have anything. I’m wanted in this kingdom. They want me dead. And even if we leave the kingdom, I still don’t have any money or a home. How would we live? And don’t you think you deserve better than me?”
“Stop saying that.”
“But last night, I already had such a scary dream,” he said.
Rapunzel’s heart skipped.
“I dreamed you became a princess.”
Rapunzel gasped in horror and covered her mouth, breathing heavily. NO! No, no, no. He can’t know. He can’t remember. Next, he will want to sacrifice himself again. No, no, no.
Tears streamed down her cheeks before she could stop them. Flynn was immediately alarmed and pulled her into his arms.
“Hey, hey, angel. What is it?” he asked worriedly, rubbing her back. God, she is shaking again. What could hurt her this much? I’d do anything to make it stop.
“Eugene, don’t dream that, please,” she sobbed. “How can you even think that?”
Flynn sighed softly. “Because I know I’m not enough. And so, my mind imagined you marrying a prince who could give you everything I can’t.”
Rapunzel blinked in surprise. “What?” So, he only dreamed I married a prince? He didn’t remember the part about my parents being royalty. Relief washed through her. That’s good. It means he still doesn’t remember. I still have time to get him to marry me. Then he can never leave me again even if the truth comes out.
Flynn gently brushed away her tears. “Rapunzel, don’t you think you’d be happier if you married a prince who could give you every luxury on earth? A palace. Silk and servants. Safety. A future. I can’t give you anything no matter how hard I try.”
Rapunzel shook her head fiercely. “What good is all that luxury if I don’t love that prince? It would just be another tower.” She grabbed his vest. “All I want is you. And you refuse to give me that. Why are you so cruel? You said you love me.”
“I do love you.”
“Then prove it. And marry me as soon as possible.”
Flynn sighed. If only it were that simple. “Rapunzel, I need money for that,” he explained patiently. “For a ring, a wedding dress, a home for us, food, presents you deserve. And for that I’d need an honest job first. And you know, I tried that once.”
Rapunzel listened carefully.
“Before I became a thief, I tried to find honest work. But nobody wanted to employ me.” His gaze dropped. “They said I had no honest skills. So, I had to steal to survive.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I promised myself I would never marry because I knew I would never be able to provide for a wife… or children. I would fail anyone.” He swallowed. “I don’t want to do that to you. And I’m even too pathetic to give you the closeness you want just because I’m afraid. So really… I can’t give you anything.”
She sighed, frustrated. Poor Eugene. It really is a horrible situation. But I know he still wouldn’t marry me even if he knew I had the money. Why is there no way to win this?
“Can’t we just use mother’s money?” she suggested.
Flynn shook his head instantly. “I’m not stealing and I should earn money for you myself. That’s what men should do. And even if we took that witch’s money, it wouldn’t last forever. I’d need a job, so we have a steady income.”
“And you think you can’t get one?”
“Certainly not in this kingdom,” he said dryly. “In other kingdoms I don’t even speak the language. The only one where the language is the same is the neighbouring kingdom. And I can’t go there.”
“Why not?”
Flynn scoffed. “Because that’s where my horrible royal father rules.”
“Couldn’t you ask him for money he owes you?” she suggested carefully. “Or at least the title you deserve?” So that you can marry a princess…
“Oh, no. I’d rather face the gallows than crawl in front of that man.”
Tears formed in her eyes. There it is. He still prefers to die. Maybe he’ll soon remember and then I’ll lose him once again. How am I supposed to win this?
Flynn cursed himself internally when he saw her tears. I made her cry again. I’m such a mess. She deserves better than me. But she wants me. What am I supposed to do?
He gently took her hands, brushing over her knuckles. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“I just want you to marry me and give me that closeness,” she sobbed. “Before you…” She stopped abruptly. No, don’t say it. He can’t know. Or else he will break up and then die. I need him to marry me before he remembers. Then he’ll be bound by his promise.
“Before I what?” he asked softly.
She brushed away her tears. “Just forget it.”
Flynn sighed. “I’ll make you some breakfast now,” he said softly. “You need to eat something. After that, we can pack stuff you want to keep from this tower. Then we can leave the kingdom if you want to come with me.”
Rapunzel looked up anxiously. “And then?” she sobbed.
“If I manage to find a job… and save money for a while…” He shrugged awkwardly. “And if you still want me then… we could try to get married.”
“Is that a proposal?” she asked, hopeful.
Flynn chuckled weakly. “Didn’t you say I already proposed before I fainted?”
Rapunzel forced a smile. “Uh, yes, of course.” Don’t let him know you lied. If he finds out the truth, you’ll lose him forever. Get it together, Rapunzel.
“Well, then… I can’t promise you everything,” Flynn said gently. “But I can at least promise you I’ll try.” Then he scooped her up into his arms and carried her down to the tower kitchen.
When he set her on the chair at the table, his heart broke when he saw she was still silently crying. My poor Rapunzel. She’s hurting so much because of me. I’m such a curse. But I don’t know what I can do. He rubbed the back of his neck helplessly. I failed at everything in my life… and now I’m failing her too. If only I would have never let her fall in love with me.
“What do you want for breakfast?” he asked, brushing a tear from her cheek.
“You,” she answered bitterly, still weeping.
Flynn’s heart shattered at that. Stars… what have I done to her? If I weren’t such a failure, I could marry her right now and give her everything she wants. Instead, I just keep making her suffer.
He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. “I’ll make you some pancakes, okay? And I promise, I will try to give you all of me. And I won’t make you wait forever. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy, I swear it.”
Rapunzel sniffed. “Can’t you kiss me and give me closeness?” she sobbed.
Flynn closed his eyes in pain. Gosh, this is so heartbreaking. Why did I become such a broken mess? Why can’t I just give her what she wants or needs?
He brushed her cheek. “I’ll try to make it a reality. But I just need some time. Please, just trust me.”
She looked away and nodded with tears in her eyes. Why am I never allowed to have what I want? How much longer must I suffer before something finally goes right?
Flynn silently prepared the pancakes and placed them in front of her. When he saw that she still wouldn’t stop crying, he gently lifted her onto his lap. “Come here,” he murmured.
He broke off a small piece of pancake and held it to her lips. Rapunzel accepted the bite slowly. Flynn fed her more bites. Eventually, Rapunzel leaned forward to kiss him. He closed his eyes and kissed her back, trying not to tremble too much when she nipped at his lower lip, her tongue brushing his carefully. Get it together. She wants you. She suffered so much already. You have to make her happy. You have to give her everything she wishes, everything you can give her.
When they finally pulled apart, she rested her forehead against his. For the first time since waking, she smiled. That was the longest kiss yet. Maybe he is finally giving in. Maybe I can get him to marry me before he remembers or before the truth comes out some other way.
After breakfast, they packed the things she wanted to keep into a basket. Paints, brushes, books, some other trinkets, Pascal and some money and jewellery she found in Gothel’s room. She even found some rings.
“Here,” she said eagerly, holding them out to Flynn. “We could use these rings to get married.”
Flynn smiled, closing her fingers around them and pushed her hand back toward her. “I want to buy you a ring myself,” he said softly. “You deserve that. And I promise, I will try to give you everything. I’ll work as hard as I can.”
Rapunzel blinked back some more tears. Why isn’t he accepting anything? Why is he so stubborn? Why can’t I just get everything I want immediately?
Flynn gently lifted her and the basket into his arms and carried them down the secret staircase. At the bottom of the tower, Maximus waited.
“Hey, Max, could you please do me one more favor?” Flynn asked pleadingly. “Could you take us away from this kingdom?” Flynn glanced back toward Rapunzel. “You know I can’t stay here. And if they catch me…” he sighed. “It would break Rapunzel’s heart if they hanged me. Please, you wouldn’t do that to her, would you?” Come on, Max. Rapunzel has suffered enough. Out of some strange reason she loves me, and I can’t keep breaking her heart. I have to stay alive and somehow give her a life.
Max nodded reluctantly. Flynn grinned in relief. “Thanks, buddy.”
He lifted Rapunzel onto the horse and climbed up behind her, wrapping his arms gently around her waist.
“We’ll leave this kingdom now,” he whispered.
Rapunzel leaned back against his chest and hugged him tightly. “And then you’ll marry me. And that’s not a request,” she said firmly. I can’t waste more time or else he’ll remember and I’ll lose him.
“I will. Soon, I promise,” Flynn answered, kissing her temple.
Rapunzel grinned and pulled him into a passionate kiss, making him stiffen but then relax into it. He said it. He’ll do it. Now all I have to do, is speed things up a little.
She tried to slip her fingers beneath his shirt, but Flynn gently caught her hands and pulled back, resting his forehead against hers. “Soon, sweetheart. Soon,” he promised.
Rapunzel sighed, frustrated but nodded. We need to leave this kingdom first anyway. It’s a horrible place where they try to kill people over a stupid crown. I never want to go back. I never want to meet my so-called parents. They are monsters who don’t deserve me. I want to be with my Eugene. No matter where we go. No matter how poor we are.
Maximus set off, carrying them away from the tower and towards a new kingdom.
They reached the borders around early afternoon and entered a village. Flynn slid down from Maximus and gently lifted Rapunzel from the saddle.
“Okay, maybe we can stay here for a while,” he said. Maybe I can build something for her here. I hate being in my father’s territory but it’s the only safe place I could take her where she at least understands the language.
“And can we marry here?” she asked, hopeful. Come on. Just do it. Once we are, I have a guarantee you will never leave me again.
Flynn rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ll try to find some work here first,” he said carefully. “Then we can do it someday soon.”
“I want it as soon as possible,” she said firmly.
“Rapunzel, why do you need it so soon?” Flynn asked gently.
“So that you can never leave me again. I’m scared, Eugene. I’m scared you’ll wake up one day and decide I deserve better.” She looked down. “I just want a promise that you won’t run. I need something solid. Something that says you’re staying. And I want to have a written contract that you can’t break,” she said bitterly. “And also, because I love you, of course,” she added quickly. That didn’t sound romantic at all. But it’s what I want. I want him to stay with me forever. And I need him to be bound to me by a promise, so he won’t leave if the truth ever comes out.
Flynn stared at her. Gosh, how terrified must she be of losing me? She thinks she needs a contract so that I’ll stay with her. My poor sunshine. How could I let her believe I would ever leave her? He cupped her face tenderly. “Rapunzel, I love you too and I don’t want to leave you. Not ever. I’m not looking for a way out. I’m looking for a way to stay. And you don’t need a contract to keep me. I’m choosing you. Every day. I want to share closeness with you even if it still scares me. I want to heal with you.” Then he leaned his forehead against hers. “And I promise, we will share it on our wedding night. And that will happen soon, I swear it.”
He leaned in to kiss her. She met him halfway and captured his lips hungrily, nipping at his lower lip. Flynn returned the kiss with all the passion he had and held her close. Her fingers wandered teasingly down his stomach, and he had to pull away, groaning.
“Soon, Rapunzel,” he whispered, resting his forehead against hers. “Now let me find an honest job for you.”
But that was harder than Flynn had thought. Everywhere he asked for work, doors slammed in his face. Nobody trusted a stranger. Especially not one with a bloodstained vest and shirt.
By evening, Flynn slumped onto a wooden bench in the town square, covering his face in shame. “Do you see now what kind of a failure I am? I can’t give you anything. I can’t be a husband. You’d be better off without me,” he said bitterly. I don’t deserve her. I fail at everything I do.
Rapunzel crossed her arms sharply. No, I can’t take this anymore. His self-doubts are getting annoying. “Stop that,” she said firmly. “You will find a job. You can’t just give up. You have to marry me.”
“But they just told me I’m too stupid to wash dishes.”
Rapunzel frowned. “You’re just looking for an excuse to leave me,” she accused. “But you promised to marry me. You can’t break that promise.”
Flynn exhaled shakily. She’s right. If I really proposed to her, then I must keep that promise. I can’t let her down. I have to get it together. Rapunzel needs me. “Okay,” he muttered, rubbing his face. “You’re right, I’m sorry. I can do this. There’s a farm at the edge of town where I haven’t tried it yet. Let’s go there.”
She exhaled in relief, as he gently took her hand and led her there. He’s still trying. I can win this. I’ll get him to marry me.
At the farm, Rapunzel waited beneath a tree while Flynn talked to the farmer. The conversation seemed to last forever. Finally, Flynn returned, smiling.
“And?” she asked, hopeful.
“I got the job,” Flynn said proudly. “I can start tomorrow.”
“Yes.” She jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly. “I’m so proud of you. How did you do it?”
Flynn chuckled. “Well, at first, he said no. Then I used my most charming Flynn Rider smile and he still wanted to send me away. But then he noticed I look like the king and decided to hire me because of that.” He sighed. “So maybe coming to my father’s kingdom wasn’t the worst idea after all.”
“Oh, well, I’m proud of you anyway. And that means you can marry me tomorrow evening.”
“What?” Flynn blinked in shock. “Tomorrow?” He stared at her in disbelief. “Rapunzel, I need to earn some money first to make that happen.”
“Alright, I’ll give you three days,” she said.
Flynn nearly choked. “What? Three days? That would mean the smallest wedding rings imaginable.”
“You’ll manage,” she said calmly. “I refuse to wait any longer.” I can’t risk it. His memories could come back any time. I need him married to me before that happens. Then I won’t lose him again.
Flynn sighed. Three days. Okay, you can do this. You’ll work for three days, collect the money, marry her, figure out how to give her that closeness without completely panicking and have a short honeymoon on the weekend. It’s doable. He took her hands, squeezing them. “Alright, Rapunzel. I’ll try to get it done in that time.” He gave her a small, thoughtful smile. “Honestly, we should probably do it soon anyway. I don’t have a place to stay, and an inn won’t take in an unmarried couple.” He shrugged. “So, if we want a roof over our heads… we really do need a wedding.”
“Exactly,” she said happily. “So, let’s do it as soon as possible.”
Flynn chuckled softly and leaned in to kiss her. Rapunzel hungrily returned his kiss, her tongue brushing teasingly against his. He slowly relaxed into it. Kissing her isn’t scary. It’s wonderful. And I can give her that complete closeness soon as well. I don’t have to be afraid. With her it’s nothing but bliss.
Before she could let her hands wander beneath his shirt again, Flynn gently pulled back. “We’ll get there soon, Rapunzel. I promise. If you really want it, I’ll be yours forever.” His expression turned thoughtful. “I don’t remember that first proposal you said I made, so I guess I should ask you properly one more time when I know about it.” He got down on one knee.
“Why are you kneeling down?” she asked.
“Oh, it’s what men do when they ask a girl to marry them.”
She grinned. “Okay, then I say yes.”
Flynn laughed. “I should ask first.”
Rapunzel giggled. “Okay, then ask.”
“Rapunzel, do you want to be my wife?” he asked, brushing her knuckles.
“Yes,” she beamed, pulling him up and into another passionate kiss. He proposed for real. Now I only need the wedding and then he’ll be mine forever and I can love him in every way.
Before she could pull him completely to the ground, Flynn laughed and pulled away.
“Three days, Rapunzel,” he said. “That’s the time you gave me. I guess that will be enough time to buy you a small ring, a simple white dress and to rent us a room. But until then, we’ll probably have to camp outside for a few nights.”
She hugged him tightly. “That’s okay. I don’t care where we sleep as long as it’s next to you.”
Flynn smiled. What did I ever do to deserve this girl? She loves me even though I have nothing. I’m nowhere near worthy of her and something inside me keeps telling me I’ll never be enough. But I’ll do what I can to build her something.
He lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the village to a place in the forest where he laid out a blanket, they had taken from the tower for her to lie on. Rapunzel snuggled against his chest.
“We’ll marry soon, Eugene,” she murmured, closing her eyes.
“Yes, we will,” Flynn replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Sleep tight, my darling. I’ll protect you. I love you.” He wrapped his arms protectively around her.
“I love you too,” she whispered, already drifting off. He’ll marry me and then he’ll be mine and will never leave me again. And when the truth comes out… it won’t matter anymore. We’ll already belong to each other. And I don’t need that awful kingdom. I don’t need those parents. I just want my Eugene. In every way. And I’ll get him.
Soon, they both drifted into a peaceful sleep, wrapped safely in each other’s arms.