Second Date

Chapter 24: True Love's Kiss?

Chapter 24: True Love's Kiss?

Despite the approaching midnight hour and the end of dates that they would never remember, the Disney characters were a little tipsy. Their 'real world' extravaganza had been magical. No one wanted it to end. But, they were all happy it had been.

Sigh. Bitter-sweetly, the Disney characters consented that some things were worth forgetting.

Flynn Rider was not of that persuasion.

"In conclusion!" Flynn sang into his video camera. "To Future Rapunzel and Future Flynn: everything on this videotape is true! This is not a joke! This is not a prank! And we are not stunt doubles! Rapunzel and I - "

He smooched Rapunzel's cheek.

"-had our first date! And in exactly five minutes we will forget everything. So Future Rapunzel and Future Flynn, it is your job to remember this night! It was the best date ever. The best date ever..."

Flynn paused. Tenderly he hugged Rapunzel's shoulders.

"The best date ever...with the best girl ever."

"Ohhh." Imaginary hearts blossomed from Rapunzel's eyes. "Eugene!"

Flynn's tongue felt gushy. With uncharacteristic sincerity he brushed Rapunzel's hair.

"I'm crazy about her, Future Flynn." Flynn spoke to the camera, but he couldn't break Rapunzel's gaze. "So get remembering. Or find someone that can. Remember...Bro Code Number 111."

"What's that?" Rapunzel asked.

Flynn propped the camera. "Ask Future Flynn." he said, giving Rapunzel true love's kiss.

It was beautiful. After all, true love's kiss is the most magical thing in the entire world (especially if you are a Disney character). It is a sacred moment of pure intimacy and utter understanding shared between two people. And two people alone.

And Flynn was going to make it viral! He meant to get it on video. It would do wonders for his YouTube channel and probably upscale him to social-media celebrity rankings.

However, Rapunzel was a very good kisser, and Flynn nearly died and went to Heaven by the time she was through. As they kissed the camera flipped, recording backwards and upside-down. It was a wonder Flynn didn't drop it altogether. It was also a wonder Rapunzel didn't send him into cardiac arrest.

Mickey Mouse smiled sadly over the proceedings. Each character was so happy. It was a shame they would forget. Tail knotted with Minnie's, Mickey addressed the giddy Disney crowd.

"Three minutes to midnight! Three minutes to go!" Mickey swept his hand, creating a sudden hush. "Time to say goodnight."

Ariel turned to Jim. She smiled secretively and together they laughed.

"Think of me?" Ariel asked, half singing The Phantom of the Opera song. "Think of me fondly? When we've said goodbye?"

Jim understood the reference. And he thought it was perfect. Somehow Ariel had navigated the fine line between mushy and romantic, to cut straight into his broken heart.

Silently Jim opened his arms. He hugged Ariel hard, trying to press the moment into his memory. But he couldn't. He would forget. And so would she.

"I'll uh...be wishing..." Jim tried to answer Ariel's musical reference. The song lyric caught in his throat. "Wishing you were somehow here again. Wishing you were somehow near."