The young alchemist sighed softly as he gazed at the stars from his position on the grassy ground.

"Varian..?" 

A smile twitched onto his lips at the familiar voice. Soon enough, you came into view, leaning over him with your head directly above his, a curious grin on your face. "What are you doing out here?" You asked, your e/c eyes alight with innocence. "I'm looking at the stars...but I'm about to head home." He explained, standing up with your help. He noticed the way your eyes dimmed slightly as he said this. "Oh...okay then." You hummed out, looking away from him. 

Varian's brow furrowed at your sadness. He wondered what he could do to help as a family of fireflies began to float around the clearing, almost as if they were-- That's it! 

He grinned at his sudden thought, turning to face you once more. 

"May I have this dance, m'lady?" He asked, bending into a bow with an outstretched hand. You giggled at him, giving a curtsey before taking his gloved hand. 

"We don't have any music." You grinned as he started to pull you close to him, beginning a slow waltz. 

"Let's change that then." He whispered, eyes soft as he took in your beauty.

You're in my arms
And all the world is calm
The music playing on for only two

He watched as your eyes drifted closed and you leaned your head on his chest. He knew you adored his voice, so he'd sing for you whenever he could. But so rarely did moments like these happen. So rarely did he get the chance to tell you how he feels about you.

Even still, it made these times that much better.

He smiled at the thought, his eyes drifting closed.

So close together
And when I'm with you
So close to feeling alive

His eyes opened as he felt cold, and he frowned when he remembered where he was.

In the dungeons.

A life goes by
Romantic dreams must die
So I bid my goodbye
And never knew

He sat up from his position on the stone floor, narrowing his gaze into a glare. He hadn't meant for this to happen. He hadn't meant for anyone to get hurt, much less you. 

Never you.

He sighed, playing with a small pebble in his cell.

He was too much of a coward to tell you how he felt. 

And now it's too late.

So close, was waiting
Waiting here with you
And now, forever, I know 
All that I wanted
To hold you so close

He desperately wanted to feel your warmth again. To hold you in his arms through the night. To dance with you among the fireflies in the early hours of the morning. 

He just wanted to see you again. To tell you how much he cares. How much he needs you in his life.

But it's never going to happen.

The sound of a key unlocking his cell made him look up. 

A guard.

"Is it that time already…?" The alchemist asked, waiting for the guard to answer. 

He said nothing, just stood there silently. It was a bit scary.

Varian sighed, standing up as he allowed the guard to cuff him and escort him out of his cell. The teen followed the soldier, his eyes downcast as he was led into a small room.

Then, the guard gave him a smirk, before leaving the room, closing the door behind him.

Varian looked at the wooden door in confusion.

"Varian…?"

His heart stopped.

Impossible.

He slowly turned, only to find you standing a few feet away from him, eyes full of hope.

He took a step forward, holding out his hands to make sure you were real. As his hands cupped your cheek, you smiled, nuzzling into his warm touch and holding the hand on your face.

"B-But...I thought…" He breathed, heart racing. "I'm fine. There's no need to worry. Rapunzel is due back from her trip. When she gets here, I'm going to ask her if she could let you out." You explained, grinning up at him.

He hadn't quite processed your words yet. He was still ecstatic that you were here! That you don't hate him. 

Tears filled his eyes at the thought, and in a flash, you were pulled against him in a tight embrace. Your heart cracked as he shuddered, his shoulders shaking as he sobbed. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry…"

Your own eyes watered and you held him just as tight. "It's all in the past." You whispered. He shook his head, refusing to believe it. You sighed, before an idea struck you.

You began to sway gently, putting your hands around Varian's neck. He looked up at you, confusion swirling in his baby blues. "What are you doing?" He sniffled, standing up straighter and looking down at you.

"I'm dancing." 

He blinked blankly at you. You were smiling up at him innocently. His tense shoulders relaxed, a small smile spreading across his face. "But, there's no music." He hummed, a sense of deja vu coming over him. 

"Let's change that then." You smirked. He chuckled with you, before putting his hands on your hips and holding you close. With his heart racing, he began to sing.

So close to reaching
That famous happy end
Almost believing
This one's not pretend
And now you're beside me
And look how far we've come
So far we are, so close

He knew at that moment, that he would never let you go. He had to tell you, before he talked himself out of it. He couldn't bear the thought of losing you again.

"I love you." He whispered gently, getting lost in your eyes. Those e/c orbs widened at his confession, before a great smile spread across your face. "I love you too, Varian."

The chains of his cuffs chimed softly as the two of you swayed gently.

Oh how could I face the faceless days
If I should lose you now

He smiled at the familiar love-struck look in your eyes that you got whenever he sang.

We're so close to reaching 
That famous happy end
Almost believing
This one's not pretend
Let's go on dreaming
For we know we are
So close, so close
And still so far

He had almost faltered in his singing when you joined in. But hearing your voice for the first time made his heart jump to the roof of his mouth.

You leaned up, almost out of nowhere, and pressed your lips to his in a sweet kiss. Although it was only for a couple seconds, it felt like an eternity. He had never wanted it to stop.

As you pulled away, you smiled at his doe-eyed expression. You laid your head on his chest, listening to the beating of his heart. Varian held you close, laying his head on yours.

Your dance continued on, for as long as you could stay. And though you had to leave, as Varian was escorted back to his cell, he felt like he was floating. 

He couldn't wait for Rapunzel to get back. 

He couldn't wait to be out of his cell.

He couldn't wait to hold you again.

You were so close. And still so far.