Summary: Realizing she has no gift for her best friend on Wassailia, and being unable to speak, Nana knows she must express herself in a different way. Companion fic to AquaTurquoise's "Angels in the Snow."
Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia the First, or any of the characters in here. Corban belongs to AquaTurquoise, and Nana and Tanya belong to MarionetteJ2X.
Author's Note: I just want everyone to know that I've never written a story before, so this might be bad. Apologies in advance. Haha. Also, this story takes place in Aqua's universe, with some of hers and MJ2X's OCs. Which I did get PERMISSION to use! Right, ladies?
AquaTurquoise: "Yes, you did, indeed, ask for permission. You in all your dorkish Shortman-esque glory. I'm proud of you."
MarionetteJ2X: "You better make it worth my read or else (gets a flip-flop) THIS is going directly to your face, okie? ^u^ lol just kidding XD"
Aww, you're both too kind, really! Thank you both for allowing me to borrow your wonderful world and characters! It means a lot to me, to be a part of all of that. And, I feel even more a part of it with this story.
It was that time of year again: Wassailia. A time when friends, family, and everyone in between gathered with their loved ones to simply celebrate being together. There were gifts exchanged, carols sung, a warm fire glowing in the fireplace, plenty of food, drinks, and, of course, sweets. Oh, and mistletoe everywhere! No thanks to James this time. Everyone was dressed in their fanciest attire, and there seemed to be a general feeling of happiness in the air. And the feeling was very much a welcomed one, especially considering all that the Enchancians had been through recently. One person who was extra thankful for what she had was Nana.
Nana was dressed in quite possibly the most appropriately adorable ensemble this Wassailia. Her dress was separated into two sections: the upper part a long-sleeved red velvet top that contained three gold buttons spanning halfway down to the ruffles at her waist, and the bottom part a layered white skirt with vibrant strawberries etched into the pattern. She also wore some white tights and red sparkling shoes (which Corban had seen the day before and really seemed to like–referring to them as her 'fancy-schmancy' shoes). Her hair was tied into two low pigtails, each adorned with a red and green ribbon. Around her neck hung the Amulet of Magdalena.
The little Strawbaby was currently standing with her sister near the refreshments table, while their parents were off having a moment to themselves somewhere. Tanya was dressed in a simple but beautiful dress. The dress was dark blue, and made of crushed velvet, with long sleeves and intricate black lace embroidery that hung about six inches below the hem, stopping at her knees. Under the dress she wore white tights like her sister. She also wore a pair of simple black flats on her usually bare feet, considering the floors were significantly colder on her bare skin this time of year, and she also wanted to look more presentable for their guests. She still wore her matching bracelets and anklets.
The girls were currently communicating in their own special way, mostly about stuff any kid would be excited about: cookies, candy canes, pie, cake, Jiggly-Wiggly-Pudding, and, of course, they were gushing about their presents! But, then, the conversation inevitably turned to the 'little prince' as Tanya liked to call him…
"You do not need to get him a gift, Nana," the white-haired girl said to her little sister, who seemed to be rather worried about having not gotten her best friend a gift. In fact, despite having told her parents (in her own way) that she needed to give him his gift, she didn't really have one for him. And that was the problem. So, to take her mind off of it, Tanya had redirected her attention to their own gifts, and even all of the yummy snacks they'd had between meals. But, now, the conversation had come back around to Nana's dilemma.
Tanya watched as the shorter girl dropped her sad gaze to the floor and laced her fingers together in front of her. She sighed. "Look, Nana. From what I have been able to understand since I arrived here, this day is not about gifts." She smiled as Nana gave her a questioning look, as if to say, 'It's not?' Tanya giggled at the cute look, shaking her head. "It is about being with friends and family, and letting them know how much you care about them. You do not need a fancy gift to do that." Nana looked at her sister sadly, reaching up and patting her throat before opening her mouth, the silence that followed almost bringing tears to her eyes. But, then, Tanya got down on her knees to be closer to her, and placed her hands on the little one's shoulders, offering her an encouraging smile. "And you do not need words either. What is it Mama and Papa are always saying? 'Actions speak louder than words.' I believe it means that what we do can often have a greater impact than that which we say."
Nana finally smiled that cute smile that was so her, hugging her sister in thanks. She understood what must be done now. She was going to have to show her feelings through a gesture of affection. But how? She released Tanya and placed a hand to her chin as she thought about this. She felt she couldn't just hold her hands to her heart and then extend them toward him. She'd done that yesterday, and the day before... Heck, she'd done it at breakfast earlier that day! No. She needed to try something new. She thought of her parents. They had many ways they showed affection for her, her sister, and each other…
Her thoughts were interrupted by Tanya nudging her and pointing across the room. "There he is, Nana! Now is your chance. You must go to him, little sister." Nana looked in the direction Tanya indicated and, sure enough, there was Corban, a candy cane in his right hand as he happily entertained guests with his cute and silly antics. Nana was having second thoughts now. What if he didn't like her gesture? Tanya frowned as Nana turned to her and quickly shook her head, a cute little pout on her adorable face as she nervously fiddled with the ruffles on her dress.
Tanya knew her little sister was nervous, but really? She smiled reassuringly. "Nana… There is no need for you to be so nervous." She giggled, giving the other girl a knowing smile. "You are his favorite person. The little prince is sure to love anything that you decide to do for him."
That instantly brought the smile back to Nana's face. Her sister was right! She could do this! And she was going to, until Roland entered the room with a big announcement.
"Friends, family, loyal employees… I have wonderful news! We have some special guests this Wassailia… The Glass Slippers are here, and they have been generous enough to put on a performance for you all in the ballroom!" At this news an ear-piercing scream of excitement erupted from none other than Sofia—who had just returned with Cedric after getting her gift from him, their hands clasped—much to everyone's amusement. Sofia apologized for her outburst, blushing. Roland chuckled at the display before getting back to his announcement. "They should be just about done setting up, so everyone, please, follow me to the ballroom for some grand musical entertainment!" He swung his fist through the air at the end of his announcement and began leading everyone to the ballroom.
Once in the ballroom, Nana had lost sight of her target somewhere in the crowd, but she soon caught sight of something rather entertaining, if not embarrassing. Her Mama was at the front of the stage the band had set up for the show, and she was dancing rather energetically. And she'd dragged her poor Papa along for the ride. She giggled before feeling herself tackled to the floor in a tight hug!
"NANA!" Corban exclaimed excitedly as he released his friend and helped her to her feet.
It took Nana a moment to process what had just happened, and then she beamed happily at the person she'd previously been searching for. She gave him a quick once-over, having not really taken the time earlier to admire his outfit. He was dressed in black dress pants with matching extra shiny black dress shoes (he at least wanted to look as fancy as his friend), a white button up dress shirt, with a little black bowtie around his collar, and a seasonal plaid vest that was a combination of green, red, and dark blue with black buttons. He also wore a black Breton hat, with the bill of the hat matching his vest. She gestured toward his outfit, giving him two thumbs up while grinning at her friend.
Corban had been just momentarily confused, but then smiled brightly as he realized she liked his outfit. "You really like it?!" Seeing her nod, he struck a pose with his fists on his hips and his head held high and proud. "Thanks! Mommy said it made me look extra handsome!"
Nana giggled at his antics, but offered him a fond smile, nodding as if agreeing with her Gramma's words.
The young boy grinned proudly, happy to receive such a compliment from his bestest friend, even if she couldn't say it. "Thanks, Nana." After taking a good look at her outfit as well, he said, "You look extra handsome too!" Nana went into a silent fit of laughter, and he blushed as he realized it was because he'd used the wrong word. Oops. Well, at least he hadn't offended her, so that was good. He looked around at all the grown-ups dancing, and he suddenly got an idea. Grinning smoothly and holding out a hand to his friend, who had just gotten her laughing under control, he asked, "Wanna dance with me, Nana?"
The little girl blushed at his offer, but smiled and nodded as she took his hand, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor just as another upbeat song began. She heard the singer say it was called "Keeping Promises, No Matter What."
Once out among the others, the two children tried to follow along with the way the grown-ups were dancing, but both tried to lead, and Nana even stepped on Corban's feet. She gave him an apologetic look, but he just laughed it off. "It's okay, Nana. It didn't hurt. You're so light I could barely feel it." As if to prove his point, he lifted the Strawbaby up by her waist, surprising her as he then twirled them in a circle before placing her back on her feet. She got a little dizzy and stumbled into the young prince, nearly knocking them both over, but thankfully, Tanya was there to stop them.
Both little ones smiled gratefully at the taller girl, who simply smiled back, before getting her sister's attention and pointing near the stage, where they saw that Cedric and Sofia, tired out from all their dancing, were now simply holding each other from the side as they continued to watch the band play.
The singer of the band then stood at the front of the stage, having just finished the previous song, and announced, "Well, ladies and gentlemen, that's the end of our usual set." He chuckled as he gestured towards the two partners still holding each other in front of the stage. "And, it appears Princess Sofia and her partner are a bit tuckered out from all that, so we'll give them a break and play some slower songs now. Something you all can simply sway to." He then grinned as he gave a wink…in Nana's direction?
Nana blinked. Had she seen that right? But then she smiled as it hit her. The 'hug and sway' technique her Mama often used! She turned back to her dance partner and threw her little arms around his middle, catching him off guard a bit before gently swaying side to side. When the boy realized what she was doing he gladly followed her lead, wrapping his arms around her as best he could, given their difference in height, and began to sway his body along with hers.
Tanya just smiled happily at the cute scene. They really were just adorable together, and she hoped they would always be this close. She sighed as she felt an emptiness in her heart, like something…or someone...was missing… But then she felt a warmth enveloping her, like she was being hugged, but nobody was there... It was strange, but not unpleasant. In fact, it had felt oddly familiar to her for some reason, and she smiled as the invisible force left her again. "Happy Wassailia, Victor," she whispered.
Nana was enjoying the 'hug and sway' method very much! And Corban seemed to be enjoying it as well. Tanya was absolutely right! He really would love anything she did for him. She smiled up at him as he returned the sentiment, but then, turning her gaze upwards just a bit more, she saw something else… Suddenly she knew exactly what she wanted to give him! She separated from him and looked toward her sister, gesturing with her hands that she wanted to be lifted up to Corban's height.
Through the little girl's amulet, Tanya was able to understand what Nana wanted, and she was both surprised and impressed with the smaller child's decision. Nana had not done something quite this bold before. Well…she ran away from a cult, and helped defeat Malum In Se, but this was bold on a different level. She lifted the Strawbaby up and held her out toward the little prince.
Corban was a bit confused by Nana's actions, even as she leaned in, eyes closed, and lips puckered. He only realized what was happening when he felt her lips upon his own. His eyes shot open wide in surprise! She was KISSING HIM! On the mouth! But then he relaxed, closed his eyes, and puckered his own lips in an attempt to reciprocate as best as a five-year-old boy could.
On the other side of the room, James nearly spit out his punch as he witnessed the children locking lips. "Well, that's not exactly what I intended the mistletoe for, but hey, it's tradition."
A moment later, Nana opened her eyes and leaned back, pleased to see a goofy grin spread across her friend's face. But, she became alarmed as he began to fall backwards, with nothing soft to cushion his landing. Thankfully, Tanya's reflexes kicked in and, using her enhanced speed, she managed to gently place Nana on her feet and still catch the prince before his head could hit the hard floor. "Are you all right, little prince?" she asked as she lowered his head into her lap.
At that moment, Sofia came rushing over, dragging Cedric behind her, having looked away from the stage just in time to witness Tanya's impressive save. She kneeled down next to the white-haired girl, and asked, "What happened, Tanya?" She looked worriedly at her brother, finding the big smile on his face a bit odd.
Tanya shook her head with a light giggle. "He fainted, but I believe he is more than all right, Mama." She couldn't help gigging some more, especially as her mother looked at her, a confused expression on her face, as if wondering what she missed. The girl simply grinned and pointed up at the ceiling above them.
Sofia glanced in the direction her daughter was pointing, and saw a single sprig of mistletoe hanging above where her brother had been standing when he collapsed. She glanced back at Tanya, pointed at her, and asked, "You?" But Tanya shook her head, still smiling, and so Sofia turned her gaze to her other daughter, who was still standing at Corban's feet, staring at him, as if waiting for him to wake up. "Nana…"
Nana turned to her mother upon hearing her name spoken. Sofia had her hands on her hips and was smirking in the little girl's direction. She blushed cutely, her little hands clasped in front of her as she glanced away. But no amount of embarrassment could wipe the happy smile from her adorable little face. She regretted nothing!
Tanya relayed Nana's thoughts to their parents. "She wanted to give him something for Wassailia. I told her that the little prince would love anything he received from her, and I guess a kiss is what she decided on." She giggled as she stood up with her mother, who had shuffled Corban into her arms and stood up as well.
Sofia looked to the others. "Well, since he's still out cold, I'm going to take him to Gramma Miranda to look after." She then looked specifically at Cedric. "You take the girls to get something to eat. And, no sweets! They've had enough already today."
Cedric simply chuckled as the girls pouted and Tanya even made a little sound of displeasure at the idea of no more sweets. "Don't worry, my love. I can handle it. You get 'sleeping beauty' there back to his mum." Sofia giggled at his little joke before retreating to find Miranda. Meanwhile, Cedric reached down for his little Strawbaby, and lifted her up to face him. "And as for you…" She grinned innocently up at her father, who gave her a knowing smile. "You think you're cute, don't you?" He and Tanya both laughed as the little one nodded. "Well, that may be true, and I'm sure Prince Corban loved his gift (if the smile on his face was any indication), but I don't want you going around kissing anymore boys until you're at least thirty! Understood, young lady?" Nana silently laughed but nodded. "Good!" Cedric smiled, shifting her into his left arm, before reaching out to Tanya with his right hand. Once she grasped it, he turned and began leading them away. "Now, come along, my darlings. Let's go get some sweets! Oh, but don't tell Mama." They nodded happily, making a gesture of zipping their lips.
Meanwhile, Sofia had located her mother, who was surprised to hear how her son had ended up unconscious in the first place. The older woman laughed as she cradled her son in her arms, the smile still on his face. "Well, that's one Wassailia gift he won't soon forget! I can't say I'm entirely surprised, considering how close they are."
Sofia laughed at her mother's comment. "Yeah, not sure where she got that from! Maybe it's just a 'Nana' thing." She shrugged.
At that moment, Corban sat up in Miranda's lap, looking a bit frazzled. "NANA?!" He looked from his mother to his sister. "Mommy! Sofie?! Nana k-kissed me! On the MOUTH!" He threw his arms in the air. "It was crazy!" They chuckled lightly at the little boy's antics before letting him finish his story. "My heart was beating way fast! Like, ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump! Then everything went dark... Was I sleeping?"
"You passed out after the kiss, sweetie," Miranda told him, rubbing his back to soothe him, as he seemed a bit worked up.
He looked at his mom, and then down at his lap, smiling. "Oh, so that really happened." He was quiet for a moment, but then seemed to recall something else. "Oh! And then I had a dream that she was kissing me AGAIN! It was kinda scary, but…also kinda nice…" He sighed dreamily before instantly reverting back to his usual self. "Well! I'm gonna go play with my new presents! Bye, Mommy! Bye, Sofie!" With that, he was off his mother's lap, and running for the exit.
The two women smiled as they watched him go, and then turned to each other, a knowing look on both of their faces.
Miranda was the first to speak. "That was absolutely adorable!" She laughed.
Sofia laughed as well. "I know! I needed that cuteness." She pointed over her shoulder. "I need to get back to Cedric and the girls now. I'm sure he's letting them eat their body weight in sugar as we speak." She shook her head at the thought.
Miranda laughed. "Oh, I'm sure he is too. I realized a long time ago that Cedric had a certain soft spot for children, whether he'd admit to it or not. I remember him being especially fond of a certain princess." She smirked at her daughter, who smiled shyly. "Glad to see that bond is still going strong."
"Thanks, Mom." Sofia leaned forward to give her mother a hug. "Happy Wassailia."
Miranda returned her daughter's hug. "Happy Wassailia, Sofia."
The End.