Search for the Unknown.

Rapunzel wanted to roll her eyes at him, as though it weren’t obvious which girl she was referring to, the same one he had been searching for initially when she’d met him. It was strange how things finally came full circle for the two of them, with Kit looking for the girl with the glove and Flynn finding his way back to Rapunzel. “Yes, it’s the same Ella! What other Ella do we both know?” she said with a laugh, as though it were obvious. “I know who she is, silly, otherwise I wouldn’t have told you about all of this. I can’t have you looking for her again for … how long was it the first time? I mean, I already felt bad about you not knowing she was staying with me.”

The answer to his next question seemed more obvious than the first, and it was the same reason why Rapunzel had to leave things with him to begin with. “Oh, Kit, I know you’re smarter than that,” she scolded teasingly, “I think you’re forgetting that this is supposed to be your second engagement this year?“ While Ella hadn’t been able to move on from what she truly wanted, either, she wasn’t the one who could stop Kit from getting engaged to someone else. “She thought you were going to get married, for goodness sakes, could you blame her for wanting to gain distance from that?” Rapunzel reminded him. “Of course, always. You’re two of the people who I care about the most, and all I’ve ever wanted was nothing but happiness for each of you, especially if it’s each other.”

.

"Oh, for so long." He chuckled, an exasperated tone in his voice while he grinned at her. It had been years since he began looking for Ella, the first one starting as the masked lady. The odds that Ella and the Masked Lady were the same person felt more like a divine intervention, rather than a coincidental thing. How grateful he was to truly know her beyond what he had fathomed her to be from their one night together. Kit looked at Rapunzel, pursing his lips as he placed both hands on her shoulders. The gratitude forming in his heart was insurmountable—something no one could even buy. "Punz, you just gave me the best birthday gift." He let out a laugh, finding no better words to express his delight. He placed a kiss on her forehead, before finally embracing her in his arms. "Thank you, so so much." He exclaimed, incapable of hiding his excitement.

"But I told her I would fight for her." Kit took his hands off her, furrowing his brow in confusion. There was also a tinge of guilt, as he wasn’t able to do that the first time with her. "I told her I would leave my responsibilities behind and start anew, in a life of my own choosing. Ella would know that, I just don’t understand it." He explained, not quite getting the situation. Ella had no Flynn, nor Cass who would protect her to the ends of the earth. Ella only had herself, and her gut to dream of a better life. Kit was adamant that they had the strength to traverse this world together, if only they held on to each other. This was something that Punz had not shared with him, and she knew him as Kit Charming, not the man on the floor who was healing from his pain and shame. “I know how incredibly difficult it is to be caught in this but I’m grateful for your honesty and sincerity.”

Kit had planned to meet Atta since he met Ella a few days ago. He knew what had to be done, though it didn’t make the whole ordeal any easier. There were major expectations on them, and they took their time really getting to know each other. Atta was a nice woman. She was a catch in many ways, but Kit’s heart was already borrowed and quite safely stored in the hands of another woman. He knew that Atta believed in love as much as he did, so he was banking on the idea that she’d understand where his love stood. He knew she wanted honesty, and Kit would hand it in ready for any consequences to happen. He had decided, and chosen, for quite so many times that he was willing to rid himself of the glamour of his life to pursue a life of joy and contentment, alongside the woman he truly loves.

Kit sat uncomfortably at a fancy restaurant nearby. Atta had mentioned she was running late, and so he had plenty of time to practice what he was about to say. When she came in the door, apologetic and quite frantic, Kit immediately stood up and pulled the chair for her. "Don’t worry. You’re just in time." He smiled warmly before going back to his seat. The waiter came up to them and handed them the menu, with Kit ordering a bottle of Vega Sicilia. He prefers to drink wine that isn’t from his own business, thereby helping him understand more about the industry. Once it was poured into their glass, and food was served. He cracked in a light conversation first. "So how was your day, Atta? I hope this dinner is not interfering with your schedule. I understand that your business can be quite a handful. Allow me to assist you in anyway that I can." He added.

Kit was planning on throwing another party to celebrate Ella's return. It was intimate, with only the people who truly cared about them being invited. Ella had asked him to lay bare the tale of their romance, and he was more than happy to oblige. Sure, he was a controversial man, with sharks following his every move. The gossip blog had undeniably rattled his life, and the notion of peace was a difficult concept to bear with a Charming man. However, Kit was willing to traverse life with Ella despite the hardships, rather than continue his days in her absence. He was certain that this time around, his father’s tyrannical orders would mean nothing to him. He had learned to stand his ground, and protect his peace more than anything else.

Thus, when another man came around his house asking for Atta. Kit looked at him incredulously, staring at his confused face. "Well, she’ll be right here in like… I don’t know, fifteen minutes?" Kit looked at his watch before smiling back at the stranger. "Atta had mentioned she just had to deal with some…negotiation. Do you want to stay and have some tea while you wait? I can assure you, it’s quite comforting." He grinned, asking his staff to prepare them tea. "I apologize for the reception. The maids had been quite busy at the moment." He said, sitting on the chair in his lobby. "May I ask who you are?"

[ 𝙺𝙸𝚃 ]

❧

When she’d come there that evening the last thing she’d expected was to find him with all the warmth she remembered. From the moment she saw him it felt like the rest happened in slow motion but her lips stunted from speaking. Instead she listened and tried to process what all was being confessed before her. As much as she wanted to understand what had happened between them, where it had gone wrong. why he had never come; she didn’t yet. Her eyes searched his for answers and tried to not get lost along the way. They were maps to the heart of Animania’s crowned prince, she falling victim to losing sense of direction in them herself. All of it was sealed with a kiss and Ella knew she was losing her own battle. She melted back into his touch with the familiarity as if she’d known him her entire life. 

“It’s really you…” It was quiet as she observed his face, a smile coming her to lips as his image set in. She could feel him in front of her and it seemed simple. That didn’t mean she forgot what all happened, the nights she waited with a bag by the door until she slowly started to unpack and stop checking. “Why did you not come? I thought you’d chosen a different path and who was I to stand in the way of where your heart lied.” Or so she believed though now it seemed to not be the truth. “Of course I love you, Kit. I have only ever loved you. I told you my heart would stay right where we parted and its come back to me,” she said placing a hand softly to his chest, trying to let it all sink back in. This was what she thought would be their final goodbye but everything had shifted. “What about Atta? You are to be married, Kit. I didn’t come here to make a bad name for you more than I already have.” She looked back to his eyes, feeling more complete when she did. “But I also do not wish to live another day without you.”

.

"What do you mean? I’m here, I’ve always been here." He chuckled slightly, tear-stained eyes as he cupped her face. Kit couldn’t believe his eyes. Ella was there in front of him, flesh and blood, looking as beautiful as when they last met. He felt like life had welcomed him back from a long slumber—from the dark days of her absence, he had finally reached his destination. "Have come where? Ella, you puzzle me. Where have you been?" Kit had so many questions boggling his mind. She had left him without a trace, and yet there she was again, back in his arms. His own delight overshadowed the mystery of her disappearance. Kit’s hands traversed from her supple cheeks to the softness of her own hands. His eyes wandered, searching for a difference, for any sign of affliction that she may have faced without him. And yet, Ella stood with celestial beauty, as he had always remembered her to be.

Kit took her fragile frame in his arms, repressing his eyes from staining more water on his cheeks. He felt like he could finally breathe, but at the same time, his hands clung to her for dear life. It will different this time, he thought. He’ll do everything in his power to never let her go. "Ella, I’m yours. You are the companion my soul seeks. I wake up longing to see you, to hear you, to be with you again. I do not wish to be parted from you any longer." He looked back at her, meeting her angelic gaze. Kit held her hand close to his chest. "Everything can be settled. I am Kit Charming, for goodness sake. I am done being my father's son. I am a man who yearns for you. This is the only life I will ever get, and I wish to spend it all with you. It is agony living my earthly days without you. Ella, come back to me. I had promised you, I would work this out for us. Allow me to fulfill it. Please, put your faith in me." 

“Flynn doesn’t hate your guts,” she blurted, giving him her best convincing shake of her head. “Maybe Cass does, but he definitely doesn’t.” Rapunzel was sure that Kit was right in his assessment, but she didn’t want to make him feel any worse. What was done had been over, and there was no use to keep disdain for someone who did what had to be done. “He did?” It sounded like something Jim would have done, given how strongly she knew he felt about Anna. Jim hadn’t done anything like that for her, while Flynn would have given her the entire world if he could, she was sure. There was no question about that, nor was there ever any thought that he might do the same for someone else. Not even the taller, dark haired girl at the New Years party would have that much of his heart.

It pained her to think that she held the information to lead Kit to where his heart truly belonged. The image of Ella in her arms, crying on her bed, flashed in her mind, and she knew that while Kit didn’t even know to ask for it, Rapunzel had to exchange the information that would ensure his happiness, too. She was sure his supposed new fiancée could find someone else who didn’t have the love Kit had in his heart for her best friend. “I have to tell you something, and it’s to thank you for all of this help.” Rapunzel bit her lip, only hesitant for a second before blurting the words. “I’ve been letting Ella stay with me since she left your house. She’s miserable, and misses you more than I probably ever have. I can’t tell you where we live, but, um, I can tell you that. Maybe I should’ve told you sooner, but … do what you will with that for now.”

.

"Hm? Rapunzel, why do you always have the capacity to keep me on my toes?" He grinned, shrugging his shoulders to anticipate whatever mundane thought she might have. Kit had always appreciated her wild thoughts. She had a different perspective on the world, quite different from how he sees it. "Don’t wo—" He didn’t want any bargain for his thoughts. Kit was always glad to help Rapunzel in any way he could. However, as she spoke with such dexterity, Kit could only stare at her, an astonished look seen on his face for a good minute "Ella, you mean….Tremaine?" He swallowed, blinking to think whether she was playing games on him. Perhaps it was a different Ella, and could there be more Ellas? He’s not quite sure. However, matters regarding his lost love couldn't really be taken lightly. He felt his breathing a bit constricted, and yet he maintained composure. "Are we talking about the same Ella who I…" He paused, biting his lips as he tried to search for words. This was more difficult than he intended, especially because it was Rapunzel that he was talking to. "Is this the same Ella who lived under my roof?" He asked, successfully phrasing it well.

Kit couldn’t believe it. There was still much to understand, but at least he was certain about one thing. Ella was close, and he had a string to hold on to. He was no longer mindlessly wandering for clues. "I don’t understand. Why did she leave?" Kit had to ask. Perhaps Rapunzel had some answers, and perhaps they would help him ease away from the nightmares that disturb him at night. "I have been looking for her, Punz. It was difficult to live without an answer. My mind wanted to move on, but my heart—oh, such a treacherous thing. It wouldn’t budge." He sighed, pursing his lips while his eyes furrowed in confusion. There was much going on in his head, but Kit looked at her and immediately knew what to say. "Thank you, always, for everything. You’re a divine gift to me. Rapunzel."

“You changed mine, too, so … thank you.” He was the first person she ever loved in the way that they portrayed love in the fairytales. He was the one who made her believe that love like that could exist, even though they only had it together for such a short time. If he could give her so much happiness and adoration in their time together, then surely there was someone out there who could give her so much more in a lifetime. Rapunzel wrapped her arms around his back, pulling him in for a tight hug, the first one that didn’t make her feel suffocated or like her heart was going to break yearning to hold onto him forever.

“Both of them,” she admitted, a small laugh escaping her lips as she realized how ridiculous it was to admit. “I think you can have your heart in two different places at once, just for different reasons. I guess Flynn will always have a piece of it, even if I didn’t realize that when I had you. There’s always been a part of me that’s wanted more, but now that it’s staring me in the face, I don’t know what to do.” Rapunzel thought about Jim, who couldn’t seem to leave her mind no matter how hard she tried. “I met Jim when I was heartbroken over you, and he had just lost Anna. We needed each other, but I can’t tell if it’s something I want.” 

.

"You know that I can’t decide that for you, right?" Kit chuckled, messing up her hair with his hand. He could tell that it was truly a problem to have your heart stuck between two people you truly cared about. Flynn had always been a person that Kit used to feel wary about, as he was undeniably protective of Rapunzel, far too much to be a so-called "friend". "You know, I was able to briefly meet them. Flynn hated my guts. I’m quite sure of it." Kit laughed, remembering the time when he had asked the other boy to take care of Rapunzel as he fully decided to let her go. They had one thing in common, and it was only Rapunzel. He could tell he cared about her, possibly with the same vigor as he did before. "Jim, on the other hand, oh I understand why you’d like him. He’s full of vigor and quite passionate. He knocked at my doors at night, quite bravely, for me to back away from Anna’s hand. I see that he has moved on." Kit shook his head, still quite amused by her predicament.

"Well, if I could give some help. I’d say, choose the one who truly knows you. Your weakness and your strength. The man who will lay down everything for you, if you’d ask." Rapunzel deserved someone who was able to give her everything wholeheartedly. "I know both men are capable of great things. However, Jim met me for Anna, not you. Meanwhile, Flynn was ready to break my neck because I dared to hurt your heart. It does say something about where their priorities lie, don’t you think?" Kit looked at her, hoping that what he said truly made sense. In the end, all he wanted for her was the best. "For what it’s worth, I know you’ll be fine with or without them. You have a good heart, Punz, it’ll lead you to where you belong."

continued from here for @mrkitcharming​

Atta let out a sigh, avoiding his gaze. She had been avoiding this conversation for a while now, but since she had somehow convinced Hopper to put off the dinner that was supposed to happen between he and Kit, it had to happen at some point. She couldn’t have him going into it blind, without knowledge of who he was dealing with. “My business partner–well, he’s kind of my boss? I don’t really know what he is. Anyway, the first thing you need to know about him is that he’s a dangerous man. Like, he blew up one of our trucks because he got mad dangerous.” She paused, finally looking at him for a moment.  He had to know the risks before meeting with him and signing his life away to being part of her company.

“He wants to have dinner with us, which would be a totally normal thing to expect out of someone you’re doing business with, but Hopper’s … not normal. He kind of hates me, which is ridiculous in itself, because all I do is anything he asks of me! I don’t really know what else he wants from me, but that’s besides the point. He said he likes you already, because, well, you’re you.” Atta sat up straight, turning her body toward Kit now, serious. “You can’t buy into it, got it? He’s going to sweet talk and make it seem like getting involved with him is a good idea, and it just isn’t. He sells all sorts of illegal stuff, and I just don’t want you to agree to anything he asks of you, okay?”

.

"Well, I think he’s a man with severe anger issues. Just quit, you don’t have to work for him if he’s a threat to you." Kit had enough money to pay for a lavish lifestyle, even for the generations after him. The wealth of the Charming family wasn’t something he usually bragged about, but the boy was loaded, and never in a day was money ever a problem to him. "We can create another company. How many shares does he have anyway? Or do you want me to consult a lawyer that would help you with the legalities of your separation?" He inquired, eager to be of help. It was normal for business partners to fall out; in fact, most do. Kit turned to her, his head resting on his palm while he listened to her.

Kit could tell that Hopper seemed to have some power over her. The tone of her voice and the fidgeting of her fingers suggest that this man doesn’t treat Atta the same level of respect as business partners usually do. It piqued his interest, and he raised an eyebrow as he continued to observe. "Well, do you want to have dinner with him?" He asked for her honest opinion. Kit would find a way to decline for her, if that’s what she truly wants. "Why do you do everything he tells you to do?" Kit furrowed his brows, trying to make sense of what she was saying. Atta is a smart woman, so being under Hopper’s control seemed trivial to him. "I promise." He nodded, gently squeezing her hand for assurance. "But it’s not me you have to worry about. Tell me, Atta. Why do you work for him?"

Kit had promised Ella that he was going to come back for her after he had resolved all his affairs at the mansion. His duty was tremendous, and although no amount of responsibility could ever compare to his devotion to Ella, it didn’t mean that he was going to be reckless. The two often agreed with the values they share, and Ella wouldn’t want him to simply ghost the very people he had called his family for a long time. As a result, he left, promising to meet her at his house for a proper farewell from his people. When he came back, she was gone. There was no trace of her, and months have passed and he heard nothing from her. He tried to search for her, as rigorous and intense like he did before. However, like the first time, she disappeared like a bubble, a flashing fantasy he could only meet in his dreams. Kit had been forced to finally accept his fate, to accept an entanglement with a stranger who was kind enough to work with a broken man, but the truth was that his heart was still a prisoner to someone else. He had no idea how long Ella would occupy his thoughts, and he wasn't sure he'd ever be over her, even if he tried. Every day, he walks back to where they last met, hoping she'll come by with a wooden basket full of bread and grapes that she baked and he picked.

Today was one of those days. Kit walked back to their place in the middle of a fine afternoon, with a yearning heart and wandering eyes, hoping for a flash of the familiar blonde girl. He sat on the fallen tree where they once kissed, and every day he silently prays for another chance, words of pleading for an authority high above, capable of changing the tides of fate—capable of bringing her back to him. After a couple hours had passed, he stood up and was finally ready to make his way home until he noticed a paper under his feet. It was torn paper with familiar handwriting, and Kit’s heart pounded against his chest. This is Ella. She wrote this; she was here. Kit immediately stood up, looked around, and called out her name, running in circles in an attempt to find her again. He shouted from the top of his lungs, a strong sense of desperation in his voice. Meanwhile, his hand quivered, clinging to a piece of paper. Kit shouted until he no longer had any voice left in him, and ran until his lungs were close to collapsing. He was panting in the middle of nowhere as the sun went down. "Ella, please. Come back. Please." He whispered, his hands clinging to the paper while his tears stained his cheeks. @glasslippcr

"I hope I never become one." Kit smiled warmly despite the fact that he was aware of how much of a ruckus Charlie was. Despite the chaos and absolute lackluster, Kit was still certain that Charlie was a man of feeling. It was unavoidable for him to nurture emotions, as one cannot truly live a full life without them. The fact that he was finally able to share something remotely intimate was good news for Kit to hear. He would encourage Charlie to finally feel, outside the drinks and the smoke of Wonderland. There was more to life, like the silent chirping of birds in the morning sky or the soft ray of sunshine on one’s skin on a cold day. "Do you find that difficult to deal with, Charlie? Friendship, anger, feelings in general?" @charliechess

"Maybe it doesn’t have to be over." Kit leaned into her, sighing deeply as he was once again welcomed by the color of her eyes. For a while, it was his most favorite view of all. One he thought he couldn't live without, and now they were nothing more than just olive green abstract orbs, implying a person who once stole his heart. "Maybe we just have to accept that the ending isn’t what we expected. It doesn’t plan out the way we wanted it to be, and perhaps, with good reason." Kit was still adamant that he made the right choice with her. She seemed to have finally found her light again, and was safe in the presence of people who also loved her. To him, seeing her content and safe was enough. The could-have-been were quiet now, knowing that she was living the best life possible. "I can keep writing with you, in a different narrative where at least you, get the happily ever after that you deserve.” @punzgothel

"What do you mean?" Kit looked at her as they sat comfortably on the couch. His arm was over her shoulders, with idle hands toying with her blonde hair. There really wasn’t much concern about Atta. Kit had already deduced that she was kind and a bit fidgety, given that all the firstborn duties were on her. For the most part, they were trying to be something. To be what was expected of them. "You can tell me anything. I mean…. isn’t that what we’re supposed to do by now?" He let out a soft chuckle, warmly smiling at her. "I know it can be difficult but.... truth often gets better with time. And I’ll listen, when you’re ready.”  @attadreyfus