#finchester

“Now listen carefully, Chester, as I speak into this phone. One day I will ask you to call in some flour for me and you will need to know how to ask correctly.” Nurse Nelly turned to the red-haired boy, only to find him knocking the last of her eggs together and cracking them.

“Chester! You’re lucky I have another batch of eggs arriving today. Oh, what am I going to do with you…”

“Why are we even baking a cake, mum? You’re a nurse not a cook, and it’s not like it’s anyone’s birthday-”

“It’s for the wedding!”

“Wedding? Am I getting married? I want the cake to be tall: at least 7, no, 8 layers!”

“Why you little-”

“If you find a nice lady or lad to marry I will bake you any cake you want, but this one is not for you. Your cousin Buttons is finally getting married and he asked his favourite aunt to bake the cake for him!”

“But if Aunt Nessie is baking it, why are we making a cake?” Chester bit back a laugh as he watched his mother’s face contort at his joke.

 While Nelly playfully chased her son around the palace kitchens, a member of the palace staff knocked on the door. “Excuse me, Nurse Nelly?”

“Yes? That’s my name, don't wear it out! Oh come on Max, wipe that sour look off of your face and laugh for once.”

“I’m afraid now isn’t a time for jokes, ma’am. I bring some dire news.”

“Oh? Chester, go wait outside for a moment.”

“But-”

“I’ll buy you a new hat tonight when I go buy my dress for the wedding!”

Chester quickly stood up and ran towards the hall. He’d been begging his mother to buy him a Cap‘n’bells from the hatters in town for weeks now, but each time he’d asked she had shot him down. She always said he didn’t need a hat to be funny. He knew the hat wouldn’t improve his jokes, that isn’t why he wanted it. There was something about it that called to him when he first saw it. He can remember it clear as day - the bright colours and  how shiny the bells were - it was love at first sight. He sat by the entrance to the kitchen, trying to hear what Max was telling his mum. He wasn’t sure what ‘dire’ meant, but he was determined to figure it out.

“...is dead.” Dead? Who? Chester was running through a mental list of all the grown-ups he had seen his mother talking to in the past, but he was interrupted by an incredibly loud sigh.

“She is only a child, and Her Majesty has decided to take on the heavy burden of the crown until Rapunzel is old enough to rule. When the time comes, she has promised to step down.”

“The king can’t be dead, that would mean…”

“Yes, Queen Gothel is now the sole ruler of Happily Ever After. There will be an official ceremony in 3 days time, and all palace staff are expected to attend.”

“What about the princess? Rapunzel is next in line for the throne.”

Chester could almost picture his mother’s face at that moment. There was nothing she loved doing more than talking to people, and little she hated more than being told to be quiet. Despite this, she hadn’t said anything in retort. Chester knew that something was wrong: he had heard his mother complain about the late king’s wife a multitude of times, but now that King Frederic was dead? Things in the palace (and in the entire kingdom)  were about to get a whole lot worse.

“I trust that old hag as far as I can throw her; I wouldn’t be surprised if she was behind King Frederic’s untimely dea-”

“I would advise you to hold your tongue Nurse Nelly, that is the new Queen of Happily Ever After you’re talking about.”

16 years later

Chester is sat in Rapunzel’s tower, trying (and failing)-  to keep her surprise 18th birthday party a secret. “Nothing is going on tomorrow, it’s a completely uneventful day. Probably the most uneventful day in the history of the kingdom. In fact, tomorrow is going to be so boring that-”

“Alone at last!”

The pair turn to see a brunet man standing by the window, looking out at the forest in front of him. Before he can ask the intruder for his name, Rapunzel reaches for her trusty frying pan and swings it at him. The mysterious man doubles over in pain, but still begins to introduce himself. She slowly approaches him, but Chester doesn’t hear her interrogation. He looks at the man’s face in silence. He has to be from another kingdom, nobody in Happily Ever After could be that handsome. No one except himself, of course. Did Rapunzel just call him a prince? He couldn’t be sure - he was too busy trying to figure out if the sparkle in the man’s eyes was natural or a reflection from the bright whites of his teeth bouncing off the mirror on the counter.

“...me? Hello? Earth to Chester!” His head snapped towards the princess, who was currently waving her frying pan in face face, and he adjusted his fiery hair to cover his reddening ears. Surely they must’ve noticed his staring. Why was he so fixated on the intruder anyway? Chester was just trying to get a clear picture of the so-called ‘prince’ so he could tell his mother about him later. Yes, he thought, that’s right, Nurse Nelly has been on the market for a new husband, and he was just being a good son.

“Sorry, what was that?”

“I was trying to introduce you to Prince Finn Flyer of Far Far Away”

Was this some kind of joke? What kind of kingdom was called Far Far Away? Chester’s eyes narrowed at Finn.

“Really? Far Far Away? Sounds pretty Far-Far-Fetched to me.”

“Well that’s the truth. What are you, some sort of jester?” Finn replied hastily, his eyes darting towards the bag Rapunzel had somehow taken from him.

“Well, Prince Finn, I would like a private moment with the princess. So if you don’t mind stepping out for a mo-”

“I am, actually.”

“Chester the Jester? And you think my kingdom has a silly name-”

“I never said it was silly.”

“You thought it though, right? You were thinking ‘how could that incredibly suave and attractive prince come from a place with such a ridiculous name?’ “ Finn said, smirking knowingly at him. When they made eye contact, Chester felt as though his body was made of glass. How had he read him so easily? He always did wear his heart on his sleeve, but he was sure he had a great poker face when Rapunel had introduced him. Had he been ogling him so obviously?

“Stepping out? We are in a tower. You can’t expect me to climb all the way back down.”

“Fair point.”

Chester grabbed the frying pan from Rapunzel and raised it above his head. He swung his arm down towards Finn’s head with all the strength he could muster.

Guhdong

Finn blinked at the ginger man, an amused smile slowly forming on his face. “Were you trying to knock me out? I must say, that is an interesting approach. Most people give me gifts or pretend to fall onto me in order to get my attention.”

“Huh? Why are you still standing?”

Guhdong

GuhdongGuhdongGuhdongGuhdong

Finn remained stuck in place, not even flinching as the jester hit him repeatedly over the head.

“Is this thing faulty?”

Guhdong

The prince gave a small chuckle and rested his hand on Chester's shoulder.

“Stop embarrassing yourself and leave me to speak with the princess.”

“Leave you? I just said I was going to talk-”

“Be a good little jester and wait for us to finish our conversation first.”

Chester cursed his stomach for fluttering at the comment. Traitor. The prince was insufferable, surely Rapunzel can’t be falling for this. Just because his hair was soft, and his eyes were dreamy and his biceps were huge, and his smile was captivating, doesn’t make him a nice person. In fact, Chester had decided that Finn was the rudest prince he had ever met. That is, if he even was a prince. He was the look in Finn’s eyes when he questioned him about his kingdom. And the way he looked at his satchel? He was definitely hiding something. The princess continued to bat her eyelashes at Finn, while Chester reached his hand into the satchel and pulled out a scroll. He eagerly unravelled, turning his back to the pair. There he read, printed in bold: 

WANTED

DEAD OR ALIVE 

FINN FLYER

Thief

Thief? Wanted? No wonder he looked so smug, Rapunzel had bought into his lies almost immediately. And despite his scepticism, Chester hadn’t exactly given him the third degree. Finn must be laughing inside at their naivety. In Rapunzel’s defence, 17 years locked in a tower doesn’t do wonders for the old noggin. He did know that Finn was hiding something, and he can’t let Finn think he’s been tricked. But if Chester confronts him now, Rapunzel would be crushed. No, she can’t learn of Finn’s deception until after her birthday at least. Chester would have to confront the thief privately.

“Finn? I need to talk to you now.”

“Didn’t I just tell you-”

“Now.” Chester declares, grabbing Finn’s arm and dragging him across the room out of Rapunzel’s earshot.

“I know who you are, Finn”

“Well I would assume so.”

Chester rolls his eyes at the retort, pulling out the scroll and wiping the smirk off of Finn’s face.

“Wanted?! Just what scam are you trying to pull here?”

“Woah woah woah, calm it! Keep your voice down.” 

He takes a step closer to the thief, pressing their foreheads together. He spoke in a low voice, enunciating each word clearly.

“After tomorrow, you will tell the princess your true identity and leave.”

“Or what, are you gonna hit me with that pan again? Be my guest, but I won’t tell her who I am. I am your only hope at saving the kingdom from Queen Gothel’s terror.” The jester scoffs, stepping back and shaking his head. Could Finn be any more egotistical?

“You think I’m joking? Based on her social skills, and this massive tower, I take it the princess doesn’t get many visitors? If she gets married it will strengthen her claim to the throne. She came up with that plan herself, before you accuse me of putting it in her head.”

Rapunzel runs over to the two, not sensing the tension between them.

“Queen Gothel is here, you two have to go. You can hide in my bedroom, it’s thorough that trapdoor.”

“I’ve known you all your life, how did I never know there was another room in this tower?”

“Where did you think I slept Chester?”

6 hours later

The town was as busy as ever, people walking up and down the high street, stopping to look at displays or buy food from a stand. Lately, Chester has been going to town more and more to pick up skirts and dresses with Nurse Nelly. He wasn’t sure how she managed to store all of her different outfits, but he enjoyed the trips to town so much that he didn’t mind helping her add to her collection as often as he did. As he sat waiting for the dressmakers to add their finishing touches to his mother’s frock, he caught the eye of a certain rapscallion in a nearby alleyway. Should he approach, or just smile and wave? What was he eating? Apples? Chester was almost certain that they were stolen, not that he minded. People had to make their way in the world by whatever means necessary, he just wished that those means didn’t involve breaking the heart of the girl he had watched grow up alone hoping to find a prince to save her. Finn wore that infuriating smirk that seemed to be tattooed onto his mouth, unaware of the damage he would cause in a few days. As he took another bite of his apple, Chester watched his jaw flex when Finn began to chew. What was it about this rogue that seemed to mesmerise him so much? Snap out of it Chester!

“Are those stolen?” He asked when he finally approached, taking the apple from him and taking a bite himself.

“Maybe.”

Chester tilted his head waiting for him to continue, his brows furrowing more as each second of silence passed.

“That’s it? Maybe? No joke or retort?”

“Nope. You can judge me more if you’d like, I saw your face when you found out I am a thief. You’re just one of many, jumping to conclusions before you know the whole story.”

“Well in fairness, we only met this morning. You can’t exactly blame me for not knowing the whole story.”

“I’ll spare you the tragic backstory, it’s not exactly your speed.”

“I understand tragedy more than you might think.”

“Yeah?” Finn studied his face for a moment before continuing. “Okay then, listen closely because I’ll only say it once. This is privileged information, you’re lucky that you’re learning it.”

“Yes you do, they’re faint but they're there. There, see. I knew you couldn’t go that long without smiling at me just a little.”

Finn spoke with a softness that Chester hadn’t expected and looked into the streets as he spoke of his childhood. He didn’t recognise the thief he had met merely hours prior. He felt colder without Finn’s gaze on him, and he found himself missing the smile from before. He could tell that time was passing and that his mother was likely waiting for him at the shop, but he didn’t care. He couldn’t bring himself to leave, not when he was being shown a vulnerable part of the man he thought he disliked. Finn was opening his heart to him, and he knew from the thief’s voice that it wouldn’t be long before he broke down Chester’s walls too. When Finn was done talking, they sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes before he spoke again. “You don’t need to look so down, it’s all in the past. Turn that frown upside down, I want to see your dimples again.”

“I don’t have dimples.”

“You know less than you think you do. Just because I’m a jester doesn’t mean I don’t feel sadness or fear. You talk about me making assumptions about you, but you’re just the same as them.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. I was trying to lighten the mood.” Finn said earnestly, placing his hand on Chester’s knee. “I shouldn’t have made that comment. Thanks for listening, I haven’t told anyone that story in a long time.”

“It’s fine, and don’t mention it. I like to hear people’s stories, feel free to tell me more whenever you get bored of stealing apples.”

“I’ll hold you to that. You’re easy to talk to, I don’t usually reveal any information about myself to other people. And if I do it’s usually not true anyway. All the lies I weave are oh so intricate…”

“Huh? You kind of mumbled that last part, could you repeat it?”

“Forget about it, I’ll tell you when I tell you my next story.”

Chester let out a small breathy chuckle, and looked down at the hand resting on his leg. His own hand was about to reach over, but he stopped himself. This was the same man who is lying to the princess, a girl he has known for almost 18 years. He needed to get back to reality.

“I should go, my mother is probably waiting.”

Finn’s hand fell to his side and Chester stood up abruptly. His smile faltered for a moment, it was brief but Chester noticed. Was he upset?

“Oh. Tell her I said hello.”

“Will do. I’ll see you around, I guess!” He said while waiving, and as he turned around to leave he felt a hand on his wrist.

“Wait! Can I ask you something?”

“Why?”

“Yes, but make it quick. I really do have to go.”

“Could you visit me tonight? At around 9?” asked Finn, his gaze fixed on the floor.

“I need someone to teach me the dining etiquette of this kingdom. I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of Rapunzel tomorrow.”

Chester mentally hits himself - why else would he want to see him tonight? Of course he wants to impress Rapunzel.”

“I’m not sure if I’m-”

“Please, Chester. You’re the only other person I trust in this kingdom, I don’t want to ask a stranger.”

“....Fine. I’ll meet you tonight. Where are you staying?”

Finn recited the address and Chester swiftly ran back to the dressmakers, pushing the entire interaction out of his mind. By the time he reached his mother, she looked annoyed - likely at how long he kept her waiting.

“Chester? Where were you?”

“I was speaking to Finn- ahem- Prince Finn. He was telling me about himself.” 

Nelly looked skeptical, her eyes narrowing at her son. “What did he say?”

“Nothing much. I think he said that he was evil? And also into cats.”

Nurse Nelly raised her eyebrows at the news. “Really? I don’t believe the evil part. Or the cat part for that matter. He seems like more of a dog-person. Whatever, I’m sure Rapunzel won’t mind either way. Now come along, I need you to help me make her birthday cake.”

The clock had struck 9pm around 45 minutes ago, and Chester was still sitting beside Finn at the desk in his room.

“No, you use the fish knife not the butter knife.”

“What even is a fish knife anyway? Aren’t all knives the same? They’re all pointy and sharp and they cut food.”

“Trust me, your highness, I’m not a fan of etiquette either, but you asked me to teach you.”

“Well I’m beginning to regret that request now, and please don’t call me that!”

Chester chuckles at the man’s outburst. “All of a sudden you have a problem with being spoken to like a prince?”

“This is different. You’re different.” Finn replied, turning to face the ginger man. He leaned forward and tapped one of the bells on Chester’s hat, smiling at the man’s reaction. Chester felt his face turn hot at the proximity, his eyes darting around the room at anything but Finn’s face. He knew what he was feeling towards the thief and he didn’t like it. Not only was he a wanted man, he was also a man who intended to marry his closest friend.

“I told Rapunzel I am not a prince.” Finn admitted. The confession caught him off guard, and his breath got caught in his throat as he tried to come up with something to say in response.”

“What did she say?”

“There’s plenty of time to get to know each other after the wedding - after we get rid of Queen Gothel.” The jester’s eyes were trained on the wall behind Finn. He took a deep breath and swallowed down his despondency. He thought back to when he had first seen Finn, when he was first captivated by him. He couldn’t deny how he felt any longer.

“She said she didn’t mind. She said that she would still want to marry me even though I’m just a thief. I suppose any marriage would strengthen her claim to the throne.”

“You’re still going to marry her? You barely know her.”

“What’s the problem? You seem… distracted.”

“I think I’m in love.” blurted Chester, who quickly put his hand over his mouth once he had realised what he had said out loud.

“In love? With whom?”

“Nobody, forget I said anything.”

“Tell me! Maybe I could help?”

“There’s nothing you can help with. You don’t know them. At all. You would probably just make things worse.” Chester felt his stomach sink as he saw the disappointment flash across Finn’s face. 

“I understand, I’m sorry I can’t help.” Finn checks the clock and turns back to him. “It’s getting late, I don’t want to keep you.” He walks up to the door and opens it for Chester.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’ll see you at the party. Goodnight Chester.”

‘I think I’m in love’ Why had he said that? The line had replayed itself for the entirety of Chester’s walk home. Had he played it off well? He tried to ignore the sinking feeling he felt when he pictured the look on Finn’s face when he had shut him down. A small part of him hoped that Finn was disappointed that Chester was in love with someone else, but he knew that couldn’t be true. He was meant to be with Rapunzel, not him. He would watch as Finn married Rapunzel, as they took back the throne from Gothel together. He would watch and he would have to be happy for them, there was nothing he could do to stop it. If he couldn’t be with Finn, at least Rapunzel could. When he got into bed, Chester tossed and turned in place. What would happen when he sees Finn tomorrow? He couldn’t skip the party tomorrow, he wanted to celebrate with Rapunzel even if it hurt him. As he rehearsed what he would say to his thief during the celebration, he was slowly taken to the land of dreams, where his mind wandered to places he wouldn’t let it while he was awake. Universes where he could get what he wanted, and they could be happy together.