Prettyinpinkgal: Well, here's the small Nutcracker crossover I mentioned in Destiny! It's not a real serious story, just something I'm writing cuz I feel like it and there's nothing else to do. So if it sucks, that's why XP. Expect short chapters and most likely randomness. And sorry about the boring title. I didn't know what else to call it!
Disclaimer: I don't own Howl's Moving Castle or the Nutcracker.
A CHRISTMAS STORY
CHAPTER ONE
Sophie smiled, feeling quite content as she, Martha, and Lettie each opened one present, as was their little family tradition on Christmas Eve. "Oh, look!" Lettie gasped. "It's the dress I've been wanting!" Sophie paused to look at Lettie's marvelous new gown.
"It's so pretty," breathed Martha, gently stroking the satin fabric. She gaped at it for a few more minutes, then shook her head and went back to her own present. Lifting the lid, she let out a gasp herself. "Oh!" she cried, lifting her gift out of the wrapping.
It was a book. Lettie and Sophie looked at their half-sister, then exchanged looks with each other. "Martha," Sophie reminded her little sister. "You hate books."
"Most books, yes. But this one is a story all of the boys in the bakery have been reading. It has swordfights, pirates, and all sorts of stuff! Thank you!" she cried to her mother and father, who were watching the girls fondly from the couch.
"You're welcome," said Mr. Hatter, his eyes warm.
"But this is the last time you get anything that isn't for young ladies," added Fanny, although her words were softened by the smile on her face.
"Sure," Martha said distractedly, waiting for Sophie to hurry up and open her gift so that she could start reading.
Sophie carefully tore the wrapping off the box, not wanting to waste the paper. She ignored the groans of impatience from her younger sisters as she finally lifted her grip from the box. Lettie and Martha peered over Sophie's shoulder.
"A nutcracker?" Lettie asked.
"You wanted a nutcracker, Sophie?" Martha asked her older sibling.
Sophie paused. She hadn't really, but she didn't want to hurt her father's and stepmother's feelings. "Not really," she admitted. "But I think it's quite a nice gift. Thank you both," she said to her parents. She managed to hide her disappointment perfectly.
That night, Sophie tossed and turned, wondering where the dreams of sugarplums or anything for that matter were. She was unable to fall asleep.
Groaning, she went downstairs, her robe wrapped around her. Sophie walked into the living room, where all the gifts were. She sat on the couch, picking up her nutcracker. "Why on earth did I get a nutcracker?" she wondered out loud. Now, Sophie wasn't a selfish person. She was usually content with anything she received, whether she had put it on her Christmas list or not. But a nutcracker?
"How odd," Sophie said, lying down on the couch and setting her nutcracker on the ground again.
She closed her eyes.
The clock struck midnight.