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Historically, Eugene Fitzherbert is not known as a morning person in any capacity of the word. One would think, however, that his past as the infamous Flynn Rider would contradict this habit of resting long past the sun rising in the sky. Yet, the most renowned thieves know that the best time to strike it rich is under the cover of night when the sky is at its darkest. Thus, the habit of early rising has all but practically eliminated itself from Eugene’s body during his years as a thief, as he often would need to hide away in forests, inns, or shady establishments during his time on the run from Maximus and the other guards of the Kingdom of Corona.
A yawn overtakes Eugene’s lips as he crouches on the roof of the castle, the inky darkness surrounding him on all sides with the stars twinkling in the sky above.
“Eugene, you’re supposed to be paying attention,” Rapunzel whispers in admonishment, gently shoving Eugene’s shoulder from behind, fearful that her love is falling asleep while balancing on the rooftop tiles.
“I am paying attention,” Eugene sleepily insists, his chocolate brown eyes blinking slowly as he grasps Rapunzel’s hands in his own. “Promise,” he whispers, carefully moving to position Rapunzel where the Princess of Corona is safely nestled between the former thief’s legs, her back pressed firmly against his broad, muscular chest.
Rapunzel sighs happily, leaning her head backwards towards Eugene, a wide smile practically splitting her lips when Eugene leans forward to press a tender kiss to the princess’ mouth.
“I’m just not sure why we have to be outside so early on your one day free from Princess of Corona duties,” the former thief inquires, quirking his eyebrows upwards in both amusement and confusion as to why Rapunzel has them outside of the castle so early.
“You’ll see,” she insists, rolling her emerald eyes as a small smirk appears on her lips. “It’ll be worth waking up, Eugene,” Rapunzel reassures, grasping Eugene’s larger hands in her own, giving them a tender squeeze before turning her gaze back at the vast expanse of Corona before them.
As the sun begins to peak above the buildings in the distance, a golden, orange, and pink glow soon settles over the kingdom’s landscape. Rapunzel lets out a quiet, excited squeal at the burst of colors, the golden light framing her beautifully in a similar manner to the lanterns on her eighteenth birthday.
Eugene’s breath catches in his throat.
His heart feels like it has stopped beating.
He swears he falls in love with Rapunzel all over again in that moment.
“Isn’t it marvelous?” Rapunzel grins as brightly as the sun itself, turning to face Eugene with her signature childlike excitement never leaving her voice nor her face.
“I could get used to a view like this,” Eugene agrees, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Rapunzel’s head.
He’s not looking at the sunrise with this admission, only at his treasured Rapunzel.