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“MOTHEEEEEEERRRR! KNOOOOOWS! BEST!”
With that final note Mother Gothel disappeared into the forest leaving Rapunzel half-frozen in shock. What if she was right? Flynn- no- EUGENE only agreed to take her with the promise of getting the crown back. He tried to convince her of the awfulness of her actions. He brought her to the Snuggly Duckling hoping to scare her off. And yet… he also told her his name. And his story! Would a bad person do that?
Would she know what a bad person does?
“So, hey-uh can I ask you something? Is there any chance that I’m going to get super strength in my hand? Because I’m not going to lie, that would be stupendous! Hey, are you ok?”
As much as she was relieved he was back, Rapunzel slightly wished Eugene had given her just a minute longer to think through her options. She had just enough time to hide the satchel behind a tree before he had noticed her.
“Oh, I’m fine, just lost in thought, I guess,” turning with what she hoped was a reassuring smile. For the tiniest moment she panicked that Eugene would question her further. Instead, he offered a blank stare before shrugging and moving on.
“I mean because here's the thing. Superhuman good looks, I've always had 'em. Born with it, but superhuman strength? Imagine the possibilities, I'm just saying.”
Rapunzel struggled to pay attention to his boisterous standing monologue, as entertaining as it was. Her mother’s voice kept snaking into her thoughts, sowing more doubt with each passing second.
“And just consider how much faster I could climb! Although, if I only got it in one hand it might be tricky when I need to use the other one…”
She had to force herself not to look where she’d hid the satchel, since Eugene finding it on his own was probably a worst-case scenario. Why did Mother have to follow her?
“Ah well, if nothing changes, I suppose I’ll have to muddle along with my regular above-average strength.” He paused as he noticed her expression. “Blondie, are you sure you’re ok? You aren’t nervous about tomorrow, are you?”
“Huh? No, of course not! I’ve dreamed about the lanterns my whole life!” Rapunzel hastily replied. Should she be nervous?
“What’s so special about the lanterns anyway? I mean, I know it’s your dream, but of all things you would want to do, you know, outside, why the lanterns, specifically?”
“My mother often leaves the tower, sometimes for days on end. When I was really little I got upset, and waited for her to return. One day, she gave me a set of paints and told me to paint something nice for her to look at while she was gone. When I tried it, I learned I really liked it. Painting calms me and allows me to make the tower a happier place to live. And, it lets me bring the outside world into my life. When I first saw the lanterns, I decided I wanted to see them because it would mean I could stop bringing things inside the tower and actually see the rest of the world.”
She paused as she looked up at Eugene, watching her with wide eyes. He blinked and glanced away.
“Wow Blondie, that’s, uh, that’s some serious stuff.”
Rapunzel grew pensive once more.
“Not to mention, they come on my birthday, which-”
“Woah, wait a second Blondie, tomorrow’s your birthday?”
“Um... yeah? Anyway, since they come on my birthday and I could always see them from my tower, I just thought, they might be meant for me?” She gave him a small smile, hoping she was making sense. Eugene’s face took on a quizzical expression. Had she said something wrong?
“Well Rapunzel, the lanterns only go up at night. What was your dream for the rest of your birthday?” She looked at him blankly.
“Um… I don’t… know?” He smirked at that.
“Well, you’d better think of something. Otherwise, we’ll just have to go explore the town for the day. Get some food, check out some shops, enjoy the festivities, all sorts of things.”
Rapunzel lit up.
“Festivities?”
“Of course. Tomorrow’s a Coronan festival. They don’t just send up lanterns then go about their days.”
“And there’s food? What about Dancing? Is? there places to paint? What about books to read” Eugene grinned.
“I’m sure we could find all that and more, if you want of course.”
“You mean, you’ll take me? Oh, thank you Eugene!” She leapt up and practically tackled him in a hug, wrapping her legs around his waist brimming with joy. She heard his voice muffled above her forehead.
“Woah Rapunzel! You’re, uh, welcome of course, and, just a thought, maybe don’t clamber onto every person you meet tomorrow.” Her eyes widened.
“Sorryyyy. Again.” she blustered as she slowly let go, her bare feet feeling the soft grass once more. She looked up to meet his lovely brown eyes. She would love to paint them if given the chance. To try and capture the soft curves of his lashes, the glint in his iris, his dilating pupils as the moment continued.
Eugene cleared his throat and took a step back, breaking her stupor.
“Well, anyway, I’m sure we can do that and more tomorrow. Whatever you want, really, as long as the guards don’t see me because, as I said-”
“They don’t like you?” The smirk returned.
“Now you’re getting it Blondie.”
He turned to find a rock to lay his head on.
“Right now, though, I need my beauty rest. Good night Rapunzel.”
She watched for a moment, standing in the firelight as he settled down and began to softly snore.
“Good night Eugene,” the whisper carrying across the clearing to her guide.
Her… friend?
Rapunzel lay down on the other side of the fire, enveloping herself in her hair as the chameleon settled next to her.
“Pascal?”
He opened one eye and chirruped questioningly.
“Do you think he likes me?”
Pascal glanced in the direction of the thief. Rapunzel followed suit, replaying what must easily have been the most exciting day of her life over again. She had done so much, and it was all because one man decided to climb her tower. He also promised even more the next day. Granted, he did have an ulterior motive for bringing her, but he also confided in her. Trusted her. Smiled at her, with the prettiest gaze she could imagine. Even if she didn’t understand his supposed “smolder.”
She looked back, meeting the eyes of her first friend once again. Pascal gave her a shrug and look of kindness.
“You’re right. I just need to make tomorrow everything I dreamed it would be. I am going to see the lanterns, and I am going to do it with someone I like by my side." The chameleon gave her his haughtiest chirrup at that.
“And my best friend of course!” Giggling at her adorable companion. “Now come on, let’s go to sleep.”
The lizard didn’t need to be told twice, promptly curling next to Rapunzel’s head.
Rapunzel spent some time basking in the excitement of her new situation before following suit. In her last thought she had before drifting off, she simply smiled at the hope her life might finally be beginning.