Chapter 3: The Horrors of Shopping and Fashion!
Hansel paced around her room for the past hour as she tries to figure out how to get Nikolaus to notice her…and what Viktor meant yesterday. Apparently, she decided not to go after him since he hates her and he will definitely insult her the moment he sees her, so, she skips Nikolaus and decides to make her move on her 4th eldest brother, Fredbjorn. She made her way out and makes it to Fredbjorn's room door. She politely knocks and calls his name. No answer. She knocked again and called his name, only a little louder. She continued until she decides to give up, so she waits.
"Hansel!" A very familiar voice called her name making her head snapped to the side and saw Viktor waving his hand up in the air as he strides towards her. She gives a smile and curtsied.
"Good morning brother" She said politely making him laugh a little.
"Remember what I said yesterday? About the brothers and sisters thing, hmmm?" He said.
"Yup, but I still want to act like a lady since I am one" She said proudly making him laugh again.
"Alright I get it" He said licking his lips and looked at Fredbjorn's door before looking at her.
"Looking for Fredbjorn?" He asked.
"Yes" She stiffened.
"Well, he's not here" He said.
"What?" She asked feeling disappointed, she have the perfect plan for him!
"Yes, he's across the country…he won't be back until next week" He explained the paused.
"Oh" She said in a disappointed tone.
"Why?" He asked.
"Oh, just…I need to talk to him... about something" She said.
"I see…Oh well I think it can wait, right?" He puts a comforting hand on her shoulder and give it a gentle squeeze.
"I think you're right, I guess it can wait" She said then she remembers something.
"Viktor, what do you mean yesterday" She asked.
"I'm sorry what?" He asked, clearly confused. She frowned.
"When you said about something useful for me use today after you talked to Nikolaus" She explained.
"Oh that! Haha! Just go to his room" He said.
"What?! Are you insane?!" She exclaimed making him chuckle.
"Trust me, okay" He assured.
"Alright, I'll try" She said, clearly defeated.
"Good" He said.
"Are you sure you're not doing anything with him or something" She said, suspecting Viktor might be playing a joke to her or something.
"No" he said plainly.
"Are you sure?" She asked.
"Yup" He said popping the word.
"Okay" She turns away. Then something in Viktor's head bit him like a ton of bricks.
"Wait did I just say 'yup'?!" He called out. She turns with a smile.
"Yup!" She laughed.
"Don't tell anyone I said 'yup'!" He yelled sternly.
"No promises!" She yelled. With that Hansel left him alone who just stood there shocked when realized he said "yup", then he starts laughing at his mistake and reminds himself never say "yup" ever again. s much as she doesn't want to, Viktor made it clear it's okay.
Hansel made her way around the hallway and decides not to listen to Viktor's words about going to a "certain-someone's" room but paused when she saw that "certain-someone's" room door is wide open for the world to see. She slowly creeps up to door and notices Nikolaus throwing his clothes from the closet to the floor. She silently strides over the door and success! She made it without him-
"HANSEL!"
Nevermind.
She turned around and saw Nikolaus standing behind her, arms crossed, a stern look on his face, and a piece of clothing on his hand. She turned and gave him a fake happy face.
"Good morning" She said in fake happy voice and she curtsied.
"Don't 'good morning' me missy!" He shouted. She rolled her eyes and her fake kindness is replaced with sassy attitude.
"Alright, what do you want" She stood in a serious stance, arms crossed, and eyes glaring at him. He let out a sigh.
"I…" He slowly said.
She raised an eyebrow.
"Need…" He said only a little slower than the first.
"Uh huh" She persists.
"You're…" He said reluctantly.
"Go on" She persists again.
"Help" He hissed silently through teeth. She picked up the last part, then her brain gave an excellent idea. She grinned deviously.
"I'm sorry what was that?" She said in fake yet obvious asking tone.
He growled with irritation.
"Grrr? I don't think that what you said earlier" She mocked, smirking at how flustered Nikolaus is.
"This is priceless! Wish I have something to catch this moment" She screamed to herself.
"I NEED YOU'RE HELP, OKAY!?" He yelled, loud enough for the hallways echo. And that's where burst into laughter as his face turn red as a tomato.
"The 'great' Nikolaus need my help?! Hahaha!" She laughed and laughed until she started gasping for air.
He NEVER asked help from her! This truly amuses Hansel so much she can't help but laugh!
"Are you done now?" He said rather than asked with irritation.
"Haha…ha…ha…Okay, okay no more" She said between laughs and gasps until she pulled herself together and faced with a satisfied grin on her face.
"Good…Now, you're probably wondering why I need your help" He said as he held a cool composure.
"Yeah, obviously" She sneered, she smirked when his eyebrow twitched.
"I need your help because…" He for some reason trailed off and mumbled.
"I'm sorry what?" Hansel asked.
"It's your fashion sense" He said.
"Seriously?" Hansel asked, amused.
"Yes" He said.
"Can't you do it yourself? I mean you have the highest fashion sense in the entire kingdom! Why do you want me, a runt, to help you?" She ranted.
"It's because…Look I just need your help, okay?" He said, patience getting rather thin. She smirked before glowering.
"What makes you so sure I will lend you a hand?" She asked in poisonous tone "After all you ignore me for 2 years and you always look down at me" She added.
He flinched at the mention. She's right after all. But he really needs her help
"If you help I promise I will leave you alone for a week" He declared.
"Make that a month!" She demanded.
"Two weeks" He declared, he can't really leave the runt alone for two long. He can't go on for a day of bragging and insulting her. The longest time he left her alone is 3 days.
"ONE AND A HALF!" She yelled.
"Alright a month! But that's the longest time I could give" He declared, she smirk-smiled.
"Alright I'll help" She said.
"With Nikolaus out of my way, my plans will go smoothly. Hehehe" Her smirk got wider at the thought.
"Good" He said. He walked in his room and she followed. This is the first time she entered his room, his room is beautifully and green…if only the sea of clothes weren't there to mess it up. She frowned when he continue to throw more to the floor until the closet is empty. She went up to pick up a green jacket.
"What exactly I'm supposed to do here?" She asked, not really sure what to do.
"Duh! Use your fashion sense and help me wear something presentable when I get out!" He demanded. She pouted then dropped the jacket on the floor.
"But all of these are presentable" She argued and gestured to floor full of clothes. The clothes are beautiful and presentable but it wasn't enough for Nikolaus.
"No they aren't! A prince like me should wear something that represents my authority and power! These clothes aren't fit to do so!" He argued. She rolled her eyes, she is thinking about ditching him but she stops herself, if it means getting him to leave her alone for a month and her plans will go smoothly and maybe, just maybe he might finally notice her.
"Okay, I get it!...where should I start?" She asked.
"First, I want you to help me figure out how to make me look fabulous" He demanded.
"Fabulous? Really?" Her eyebrow twitched on the way he demanded. She doesn't like to be pushed and ordered around "This better be worth it"
"Okay, what's next?" She asked trying to keep her annoyance toned down.
"That's it" He said.
"Okay" She clapped her hands together "We can start with the shirt…Is there any…'fabulous' shirt here" She asked.
"No they're all ugly!" He said in loud voice, almost mistaken as shouting.
"Okay you don't have to shout at me that show me all of them" She demanded. He hates being demanded but if it means getting to find his perfect clothes, he will just have to play along then. Both bend over and starts picking up all the shirts they could find.
"Man! Nikolaus have a lot of shirts! They don't even look ugly" Her mind exclaimed.
Once the shirts are picked up, Hansel asked "Where should we put these?"
"On the bed" He replied. Hansel shamelessly dumped them on the bed and Nikolaus gave her a hard stare.
"What?" She asked.
"Don't dump it, put it gently!" He scolded.
"Pfft, the servant can help you with that" She said, not caring at all.
"Even so, not all of them are not perfect enough to follow all my demands" He said at the top his lungs.
"We can argue all day if you want to miss this 'important' meeting and it's close to lunch time" She argued.
"Okay we can-" He paused at the sudden realization.
"It's close to lunch!?" He exclaimed loud enough to make Hansel cover her ears.
"Yes! What about it?" She demanded.
"My meeting starts after lunch!" He exclaimed again.
"Okay! I get it, Calm down! Sheesh!" She said.
"Calm down!? How am I suppose to calm down?!" He exclaimed, panicking so much he starts pacing around and gripping his neatly combed hair. Hansel must admit she should be laughing at his situation but the situation makes it hard to laugh at him. She grabbed his shoulder and it makes him turn to face her.
"What's so important about his meeting?" She asked, she needs to know what's so special about the meeting that can make him panic this hard.
"What so impor- it's the meeting of Southern Isles' allies and they need ME because of my business skills to benefit our and their country!" He yelled.
"Oh" She said feeling a bit stupid.
"Oh?! That's it?! That's all you can say?!" He continued yelling.
"Okay! Okay! You can get through this!" She exclaimed.
"Really?! How!?" He demanded.
"Uh" She looked around and then an idea struck her "Oh!" She immediately picked up the white shirt from the bed that is a silvery Victorian collared shirt made with silk with gold linings, she smiled sheepishly but he scowls.
"I am NOT wearing that!" He declared. She frowned.
"What's wrong with it?" She questioned. She doesn't seem to get his situation.
"It's old and outdated, I am not wearing something outdated, they will laugh at me" He said in an unhappy and loud tone.
"No they aren't! All it needs is a-uh" She trailed off.
"It needs a what?" He hissed getting really impatient.
"Um" Her head wildly turns at the sea of clothes surrounding them and she saw something that can help the shirt work. She immediately picks it up. She held it before his face. It was a thick, gold necktie.
"What is that?" He demanded, arms crossed and face unimpressed. She rolled her eyes.
"It's a necktie used to make a cravat" She explained.
"I know that! It's still not my style" He complained "How is that going to make me fabulous?" He complained again.
"Really" She rolled her eyes with annoyance at the thought.
"It will! Trust me!" She argued.
"Why should I trust you?!" He angrily.
"Do you want to be late at this meeting?!" She argued. He glared before exhaling.
"No" He said defeated though his posture made him look like he isn't admitting it.
"Good" She said plainly. She looks around and saw white pants that reaches around the waist with a gold, she reluctantly picks it up and threw it at Nikolaus which landed on his face, he removes it and held it in an angry fist, glaring only to make her smirk before turning back to her search. And piles them up on Nikolaus, ignoring all his protests and only smirking and laughing silently to herself. She have always wanted to do this, mess with him and he will not bother her for the next month even though he will terrorize her after that it is still going to be worth it.
"Let's make this quick" She thought and started to pick the clothes which she deems "fabulous" until viola! She got it!
It is the same silvery Victorian collared shirt with golden linings, the gold cravat which is undone, a waist high pants with 2 columns of buttons on the front in shade of gold with gold (a little stylish with waves) on the side, brown boots with black color of the southern isles crest with silver stones at its end of the curls, a green tailcoat jacket with the same crest on its back (exact style of his boots) with gold epaulettes on the shoulder with beautiful frog clasps on the front, and of course white gloves. Hansel smiled at her accomplishment but frowned when she turned to see Nikolaus unimpressed.
"What?" She asked.
"It's not enough!" He demanded.
"Come on already! It's you're only choice!" She argued. As much as he wants to argue back, he decides not to since he realize there's no time.
"Don't judge it just because who haven't worn it, okay?" She said, hands on hips.
"Fine" He said plainly.
"Yes" She hissed with annoyance "Good-bye, remember our deal!" She called as she made her way out.
"No wait!" He called making her turn on her heel.
"What?" She groaned.
"I need you to judge" He said.
"What?!" She squeaked "Are you for real?!"
"Yes" He said.
"No!" She complained.
"Hansel, this is only the first time I will ask from you a favor!" He argued.
She hissed under her breathe.
"Hansel" He said, this time gently "Please"
This shocked Hansel in many different levels! I mean, Nikolaus never say please to anything at all! This clearly amused her and she wants to break his hopes by saying a "no" but sadly, she remembered her mom telling her to help a person when they are on need…especially when they say "please".
"Stupid morals" She thought angrily but cools down "Mom should start rewarding me for being good"
"Alright" She declared.
"Good, wait here" He said before entering his private bathroom and slamming the door close. She let out a huff before sitting on his bed and patiently waits for him. Minutes past and starting to get in her nerves, Nikolaus is always the type to take time in the bathroom and it's very annoying. She felt like falling asleep until a door being unlocked is heard startling her a bit making her immediately stand up and make herself presentable. Of course, he would bully her for falling asleep at wrong place at the wrong time.
"Finally" She said and arms crossing. He steps out with his "glorious" presence in the room, though it felt a little different. He was sadly frowning, clearly not satisfied and Hansel glared.
"What now?!" She demanded.
"Something is missing" He explained.
"What?!" She groaned and he gave her a look.
"Alright! I'll figure it out! Sheesh!" She said angrily before pacing around and digging through the clothes and found nothing, all of the ones she deemed "fabulous" is already on Nikolaus making her confused on what is missing.
"What is missing?" She demanded.
"I don't know" He said making her shot him a glare.
"How could you not know?!" She complained.
"I don't know just-" He paused with a hiss of annoyance before saying "Just do what you're doing!"
"Fine" She hissed and starts storming around the room and something caught her eye's attention. She stopped and looked at the dresser to find a rich green, starburst-shaped emerald brooch on an open casing. She glanced at Nikolaus before back at the beautiful brooch. At first, Nikolaus wasn't sure but when he realize her gaze at the brooch before he could even react, the brooch was already in her hands.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! PUT THAT DOWN!?" He shouted.
"No way! I think this is the one missing!" She declared only to make him madder.
"NO! OUT IT DOWN! YOU WILL SOIL IT WITH YOU'RE FILTHY HANDS!" He yelled.
"Quit yelling and hold still" She said in the process of removing the brooch and standing in front of him and tip-toes to reach his neck.
"What are you-" He was cut off when Hansel said "Shush"
Once the brooch is secure on his cravat, she clap her hands together and says "Viola! Done!" She happily declares.
"Take a look" She gestures to the mirror which he complied and notice how…fabulous he is. He didn't know simple clothes made him look fabulous. Impressed, he looked at her.
"I have to admit…I look fabulous" He admits.
"Can you say anything other than fabulous?" She asked herself on thought.
"You're right!" She said in fake tone before turning her heel and bidding a "good-bye" and leaving him alone without him knowing. When he turns to day something she is already gone making him frown before turning back to the mirror and figure out a hair style.
On the hallways with Hansel…
"That was torture!" Hansel declared as she stretched her arms and back "At least I won't be doing it again"
She bumps into someone's broad chest and is falling to floor until a strong grip held her wrist, she looked up to see Klaus.
"Glad you caught me" She commented. He chuckled.
"I'm glad too" He said before pulling her to her feet and letting go.
"What are you doing here?" She asked smiling.
"To see you of course, can't a brother see his only sister?" He said.
"Of course not, it's just you're always busy to even look at me" She said laughing, making him flinch at the mention but forgets about it.
"I now know what Viktor is really doing" He said.
"What"
"He terrorized Nikolaus' clothes…" He said.
"Oh…so that's what he meant yesterday" She whispered to herself.
"What?" He asked.
"Nothing!" She said defensively.
"Did Viktor get you involved with Nikolaus?" He asked sternly.
"What?! Pfft! No! You got to be kidding" She laughed but it died down when Klaus' was glaring at her.
"Okay he did" She confessed, completely helpless under the glare. Seriously though, Klaus may be the kingdom's nicest person in land but have the nastiest glare, everyone even Viktor felt helpless under it.
"Are you hurt?" He asked worryingly and started searching if she have any injuries making her laugh and push hands away.
"Stop it! I'm fine! I just helped Nikolaus get fabulous clothes" She explained, with that Klaus let out a sigh of relief.
"Don't you dare listen to his stunts you could've gotten hurt!" He scolded only to make her laugh.
"I know! I just don't know what happened, the entire scene played out well" She said. Klaus gave a look and decides to put the situation behind since she seemed happy and is barely hurt.
"Alright…BUT promise me you won't do that again" He scolded.
"Yes yes listen to big brother like I always do" She laughed and make him laugh at the comment.
"Come now, you probably haven't eaten breakfast nor lunch…your favorite is served on your plate" He said as he turns and walks as she followed behind.
"Sandwiches?" She grinned.
"Hmmm, something close" He said smiling and laughed when she pouted at him. As they walked, Hansel tells Klaus all about what happened with her and Nikolaus. Turns out she was right, what happened was nothing more than innocent. When she tells him about the brooch being the final piece de resistance, he looked at her and asked:
"Is the brooch emerald and shaped as a starburst?"
"Yeah, what about it?" She asked.
"Well it was a gift from a man" He explained.
"Is see…A colleague?" She asked again. He chuckled.
"No"
"Oh, a best friend?"
"No, think bigger"
"Distant relative we don't know"
"What? No"
"Oh well that's all what I've got" She said defeated.
"It's from a man he loves" He explains making her stop on her tracks and he turns to face her, eyebrow raised. Her face pale with shock and horror.
"N-Nikolaus i-is g-gay?" She said in a terrified tone on her voice.
"Yes" He said plainly as if nothing happened "Don't you know that?" He asked, oblivious why his little sister doesn't know.
"N-no!" She squeaked while shooking her head violently.
"Oh" He realized his mistake he inhales and said:
"I can explain but for now it's time for lunch" He said and continues walking. She is still frozen from her spot until she snapped out of it when Klaus totally left her. She picked her skirt up and ran after him, bumping on Nikolaus by accident and gave him a weird look before running off, not letting him say a word to her.
Lunch time, everything thing is still a warzone as ever while the ones who are eating their lunch peacefully is obviously Klaus, Viktor, and Hansel. Nikolaus bragging narcissist as ever, Fredbjorn trying to get them in peace, Alexander reading and eating, Andrew flirting with one of the maidens while eating, Damien and Derek being annoying brats as ever, Grant still doesn't know how to use his silverware, William yelling at the twins until his throat is dry as the desert, Linus somewhat hiding under the table (obviously feeding his rats without them scolding him for bringing pests on the table), and Robert who is no longer in his seat because he ate and left early.
Hansel never looked at Nikolaus, not even a single glance at his clothes to see her achievement. When she decides to look at him, he caught her glancing making her go back to her food making him put his mirror down, mouth shut closed, and gave her a questioning look making her flinch, grab her glass and drinks it all up before yelling "I'M DONE!" making them look her strangely and she runs off leaving a good amount of food on her plate.
"Heh, something must of spook the runt away" Andrew sneered.
"Yeah whatever it is, THANK YOU!" One of the twins said making the other high-five each other. Then the chaos ensues.
Nikolaus for some reason felt like he's the reason why she ran off, when he stands up Viktor grab his arm and pulls him down to his chair.
"Leave the girl alone" Viktor said sternly making Nikolaus glare at him and look Klaus who gave him a disapproving shook.
With that he silently goes back to his food and eat silently. This is the FIRST time Nikolaus said nothing for once. Not a single comment, remark, or anything narcissistic, heck! He didn't say a word at all. After lunch, they went separate ways leaving the dining a bloody mess. This only happens when queen mommy and king daddy isn't home.
As Klaus made his way to his room, he heard a foot tapping rather impatiently. He turns to see Hansel's beautiful face scrunched into a glare and arms crossed.
"Hansel, where have you been? You didn't-" He was cut off when Hansel spoke.
"Explain" She demanded. He let out a sigh.
"Of course" He puts his arm in gentleman's gesture, slightly bowing and said "After you"
"Such a gentleman you are" Hansel commented before making her way.
They sat on the beautifully decorated garden chairs colored with gold and red with the same style on the table between them.
"You probably want to know how or why is Nikolaus a…gay" He said.
"Duh! That's why I'm here" She sneered. He rolled his eyes at her sassiness.
"She is really sassy…maybe that's what makes her attractive WAIT!?WHAT!?" He snapped out of his thoughts and went back to their discussion.
"Okay, it started-" He was cut off again.
"Wait, won't anyone hear us?" She asked, clearly paranoid.
"No don't worry, everyone is busy and Nikolaus had already left" He explained. She lets out a sigh.
"Alright continue" She said. He nods in return. As he continues his "story" she felt like this is going to be ALL day long.
Time passes by and surprisingly the story lasted the entire afternoon. Honestly! What story lasted from lunch to sunset!?
If look at Hansel, she looked petrified with Klaus unfazed.
"That's it" He said, clapping his hands together and setting them on the table.
"I'm not sure if I could look at him in the eye anymore" She said still petrified.
"I know but you'll get used to it" He said with an encouraging hand on her shoulder. She nods. Both jumped when they heard a loud yell:
"ALAS! I AM BACK FROM MY GLORIOUS MEETING!"
Guess whose home.
The two made their way downstairs and sees Nikolaus smiling proudly at himself with the other brothers there to hear him.
"Brother! I see the meeting have gone well" Klaus called out as he made his way downstairs with Hansel reluctantly following behind.
"Gone well? HA! I killed it!" He proudly declared.
"Maybe you did killed it" The twins sneered and laughed only to earn a glare from him.
"Well tell us all about it" Viktor said.
"Of course!" Nikolaus said "BUT first!" This made them catch their attention.
"Where is Hansel?" He asked still his voice loud and proud. Hansel flinched and raised her hand behind all the brothers in front of her. The brothers turned to see her and some snickered at her 'misfortune'
"Ah! Hansel there you are!" Nikolaus said.
"Yes I'm here, WHAT?" She demanded, feisty as ever.
"Is that a way to talk to ME especially that I have something important to say?" He questioned but not angrily.
"Yeah sure, say it already" She disrespectfully said. No matter how weak she is, she will never back down by showing disrespect or snideness.
"Thank you" Nikolaus plainly yet truthfully said.
GASPS!
Everyone (but mostly Hansel) is shocked at the scene playing out before them, Nikolaus Westergaurd said "Thank you"?! To a runt!? Is it the end of the world already?!
"What?!" She asked still dull of disbelief.
"You heard me" He said plainly. He laughed when he saw jaw left hanging.
"Close your mouth dear you'll get flies" He commented as he close her jaw with his hand.
"Why are saying thank you again?" She squeaked as if the rest of her brothers aren't there.
"For helping me looking fabulous of course" He said before passing by her and the other brother's followed him as he tells what happened in the meeting leaving her behind still frozen and shock. The twins decide to pester her by yelling in her ears making her snap out of her shock.
"WHAT THE HECK!?" She yelled at them.
"Oooh~ Look Derek, the runt here is acting tough" Damien sneered making Derek chuckle.
"Yeah so what?" She spat.
"Aw~ Don't use that tone on us~ You could get wrinkles from all that anger~" Derek scolded in a mollycoddling voice as he pinched her cheek making her slap his hand away which retracted back and rubbed tenderly as both glared at her.
"Hey, no one does that to Derek but me" Damien declared.
"Yeah so what are you going to do about it?!" She challenged making the two pissed, really pissed.
"Oh we're going to do something all right" Both hissed through their teeth before storming off. Hansel smirked at herself proudly but felt something wrong making her more alert and watch her back more often.
She made her way to her way on the grand living room to find her brothers sitting on their places with Nikolaus in loud voice said every bit of detail of what happened making some fall asleep, some left while the rest just stayed and listen.
"Hansel!" Viktor called out making Nikolaus look at her NOT in an angry way but more like a calm expression despite the fact he hates her having around especially when he is talking.
"Sit here" Viktor said patting on the seat next to him.
"No need" She said as she passed by them and leaned on the window and stared through it intently.
"Alright then" Viktor said and turns to Nikolaus "Continue"
"As I was saying" Nikolaus continued.
During the story, she was uninterested to listen at all as she watch the sun slowly, bery slowly set before her eyes. Until someone called her name making her face the person calling her which happened to be Nikolaus.
"Hansel will you listen to this part?" Nikolaus asked almost pleading to listen making the brothers look at him weirdly and glancing to her.
"Sure" She said nodding. He nodded.
"Alright" He continues and surprisingly it's about the clothes that he is wearing today at the meeting and how everyone loved it especially the brooch and he even credited her making her eyes wide as she listen closely with interest until:
"OOOH HANSEL!" A familiar and obnoxious voice yelled startling the brothers and making her turn back to the window to see the twins on a balcony across the window she is standing in waving at her with clothes clutched on her fists and smiles on their face almost innocently as if they are saying hello to their best friend. She realized they are holding her clothes or gowns.
"DON'T YOU DARE!" She yelled but it was too late, they threw it out onto a mud puddle.
"OH NO!" She yelled as bolted out and the brothers followed to see what is happening. Outside Hansel fell on her knees at the sight of her soiled clothes with twins who 'magically' appeared out of nowhere and laugh at her misfortune making her glare at them. Klaus made his beast death glare at them and turns to Viktor and William.
"Were on it" Viktor said.
"C'MERE YOU EMBARRASMENTS" William yelled. With that the twins screamed girlishly and ran away as Viktor and William chased after them. Hansel's lips quivered as she poked on her clothes.
"What am I supposed to do?!" Hansel exclaimed. Nikolaus picked up a soiled gown that which she wear almost everyday of her life.
"Oh well this is ruined" Nikolaus commented. Hansel knew he would laugh her misfortune but this time he didn't instead he clasps his hands together and declared:
"Shopping then"
"What?" Hansel asked.
"We're going shopping" He declared.
"What?! NO!?" She complained "I am NOT going shopping with you!" She declared angrily.
"And yet you will" Nikolaus said as he held her wrist in a tight grip and dragged her along to where the carriages are found.
"Wait I don't have my purse!" She said hoping this excuse will help her go to her room and lock herself in.
"Don't worry MY treat" He said as they made way on the fancy carriage.
"Klaus! Help me!" She yelled.
"Sorry but you do need new clothes" Klaus called out.
She glared at him as the carriage door is closed and he ordered the rider to go downtown. She pouted and stared at the window. The trip was silent. Hansel stared at the window (which is small to her opinion) letting the air splash on her face as Nikolaus watch her from across the small carriage, it looks like he's trying to figure what she is thinking. Once the trip stopped, both stepped out to be outside a beautiful clothes shop where ALL nobles and royals especially the Westergaurds buy their clothes. He held her wrist tightly as he drags her along with him.
"Can you please not hold my hand, I'm not a little girl anymore" She said.
"Even so, how will I know you won't escape?" He questioned with that she shuts up.
The whole shopping thing might sound great to girls but Hansel is NOT that kind of girl especially the fact grew up and got used to 12 older brothers and their habits sort of influenced her…a lot. Being the only girl, apart from her mother and servant girls, she must learn to survive and catch up with them. They went around the entire shop from first to fifth floor, arms full of clothes that almost all the workers are needed to assist them. The clothes are made from imported cloth and branded with the best of the best with gorgeous designs and embroideries, surprisingly almost half of the pile are for Hansel, he picked out the clothes he deems perfect and fit for a princess like her to wear much to her protests and embarrassment. She request if the dresses they are going buy aren't all green which he reluctantly complied…blushing with embarrassment she remembered to buy something important…really important. She asked if she could buy some…undergarments which he agreed but she picked it out and not showing him. Then something catches her eyes, a green gown which looked childish and girly, humiliatingly girly. She immediately looked away and looked around, when he noticed this he calls and employee and tells him to let her try it on. She dragged to the nearest dressing room and for some reason he made her his own personal dress-up doll, dress after dress, it comes down with the dress Hansel saw. He looks down to see Hansel weary and tired.
"Get up this is the last one" He said.
"What?!No?!" She exclaimed.
"Hansel this is the only time we spent together and besides I will leave you alone for a month if you do so" He said, she sighs.
"Fine give it to me" She stuck her hand out and he hands her the dress. She walks back inside the dressing room. She suddenly realizes the dress he put on is the one she saw earlier.
"Oh no" She said.
"Young lady get out of there" He demanded.
"No! Not if I'm in this! Give me my clothes back!" She complained.
"Not unless you get out and show me" He argued.
"Never!" She exclaimed.
"Nikolaus there you are!" A newcomer's voice said.
Oh no it's Klaus'
"Where's Hansel?"
Oh no Viktor too!
"Well brothers she is inside the dressing and won't come out" Nikolaus explained glaring at the door.
"Hansel! Come on it's time to go home" Klaus said.
"No!" She exclaimed.
"Why not?" Viktor asked.
"Not unless I'm in this dress!" She exclaimed again. With that, Nikolaus pushed the brothers away.
"Young lady, remember about the undergarments I promised?" Nikolaus asked in calm voice.
"Uuh…yes" Her face turned red at the "undergarments" part.
"If you don't come on, I will replace them with lingerie!" He threatened with that Hansel burst through the doors and yelled "NO!"
Nikolaus smirked as Hansel's face turned redder than a tomato. She covered her face with her hands covering embarrassment with no success…at all.
"Hansel…" Viktor trailed off "You look adorable" He commented "So cute I can't take it anymore"
"I, uh, need to go back, bye" Viktor said walking away feeling embarrassed himself. Klaus smiled at her.
"You look younger, fitting for a young lady like you" He complimented.
"Thanks but…I'm 23" Hansel said.
"You don't look like it" Klaus said.
"Okay enough chitchat! Hansel let's go! We have clothes to pay!" Nikolaus interjected and walks away.
"Wait my dress" She called out making him throw it on her face and muffled "Thank you"
After that (embarrassing) moment, Hansel and Klaus waited patiently as Nikolaus writes down the check for them. After that, he went up to them and tells them they can go home. They have yet to wait another carriage for the clothes they bought. Due to Klaus' kingly duties, he and Viktor left leaving them alone in awkward silence…except the clutter and noises the other carriages make since of course they are in a public area.
"So" Hansel started and he looked at her.
"How was your day?" She asked.
"Great! I'm glad you asked" He smiled then frowned " Didn't I tell you this earlier or you weren't paying attention" He asked.
"Uuh" She trailed off and saw the starburst brooch on his cravat.
"That brooch" She said changing the subject.
"Yes what about it?" He asked.
"Where did you get it?" She asked.
"It was a gift from my-" He paused "a long lost friend, he gave it to me before he…he died" He chocked a bit.
"I'm so sorry" She said feeling bad though it didn't fit the story Klaus told her earlier in the balcony.
"You have nothing to apologize for" He said stoically. She frowned.
"It's beautiful" She complimented.
"Yes indeed it is" He said, smiling sadly as he touched it.
"Why didn't you want me to touch it?" She asked.
"Because I don't want it to be soiled or scratched…I was hoping to use this on a special occasion but I never thought it would be on a meeting" He explained.
"Important meeting" She laughed but he didn't, he just gave her a blank expression which made her laugh die down letting the silence engulf them.
"Why did you ignore me?" She sadly asked making him look at her before turning away.
"Because…because I have always been thinking you were weak especially the fact you are a woman" He said, licking his dry lips.
"That hurts you know" She said silently. He simply looked away.
"Is it true you're gay?" She asked making his face red before he lets out a sigh.
"Yes" He sadly admitted.
"Why didn't tell me?" She asked.
"Because you would say I'm weak" He said.
"You're right maybe I would…" She said "But that doesn't means I would hate you like the people who opposes gays" She said quietly, loud enough for his ears to pick it up.
"Don't tell anyone, only Klaus and Viktor knows" He said sternly.
"Why on earth would I do that?" She smirked.
"Because you probably want revenge" He said.
"Maybe" She smirked and he gave her a small glare.
"Kidding, kidding! I'm not that evil!" She laughed.
"Good" He said plainly. She looked around and sees a beautiful full moon and glittering stars above them. She stares with wonder, she forgot how beautiful it was to lay down and watched the heavens above from below.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" He said.
"Huh?" She snapped out of her daydream-like trance and turned to face him.
"The skies, beautiful isn't it?" He said.
"Yes it is" She replied.
"Sometimes I wonder if it's possible to capture their beauty and use them on oneself" He said.
"That…sounds beautiful" She smiled.
"Yes but sadly it cannot be possible" He frowned. She frowned, she was about to say something but the extra carriage they waited for arrived. They went on their carriage while the riders helped to put the bags on the extra carriage. As they made their way home, Hansel does the same thing her head. The light of the moonlight bathe her face and her green eyes shone brightly under the light giving the impression of…stars.
"Beautiful…How have I not notice this before" He questions himself as he continues her stare on her face. Hansel, on the other hand, didn't seem to notice since she is busy staring at the sky.
Once home they were happily greeted by Klaus and Viktor as Nikolaus ordered the servants to take the things they bought inside the palace. He glanced at Hansel who is smiling at Klaus and Viktor as they talked about something, whatever it was, it must have been a cheerful conversation. He watched her intently on a good distance. With Klaus announcing its dinner time, they went in and they joined in the table with rest of the brothers and ate their dinner, of course with little conversations. Surprisingly, dinner was peaceful tonight since the twins are too tired to say or do anything. After dinner, they went on their separate ways with only Klaus, Viktor, and Nikolaus and Hansel left behind. Nikolaus stood up and made his way out, Hansel bid goodbyes to Klaus and Viktor before chasing up to him.
"Hey" She meekly called out.
"What?" He asked.
"Thank you" She said smiling before turning away and saying a "goodnight".
He watched her leave before going to his room, he have a lot of things to do tonight.
Hansel saw the twins strutting their way to their rooms.
"Hey!" She called out.
"What do you want runt?" One of the twins asked.
"Thanks" She smiled before skipping past them leaving them confused. She made her way to her room but stopped when she heard Viktor:
"Did it work?" He asked making her turn to see him right behind her.
"Yup!" She said.
"Good" He chuckles.
"Thanks Vik" She said before making her way to her room, skipping. Viktor was glad she didn't use that humiliating nickname anymore.
She grabbed her doorknob and twists it bit stopped when she heard a familiar voice.
"Milady!"
She turns to find a servant holding a wrapped box with a red ribbon and a letter stuck to it.
"Yes?" She said.
"A gift sent by your parents, milady" the servant said.
"Okay, I'll take it from here" She said making the servant nod and gave her the box. With that, the servant left and went inside her room. Inside, she saw all the clothes in a neat fold that almost took half of her floor, she rolled her eyes
"Can't believe Nikolaus bought me this much" She murmured.
She them sets the box on her bed and picked up the letter, opens it, and reads it. It says:
"Happy Birthday Our Dear Daughter
We are sorry if the gift was sent late due to a delay. Inside is a dress we picked out for you to wear on Klaus' coronation day, We hope you didn't forget that's its scheduled next month. We love you, our only and youngest girl.
Love Mother &Father"
She smiled at the letter, despite the fact its short, it's very meaningful to her, everything her parents give to her from a simple letter to an expensive dress is valuable to her no matter what. She sets the letter down and slowly opens the gift and pulls out a beautiful dress, almost similar to her usual gown but this one is prettier, design and colored with red and gold. She smiled and decides to put it on. Her grinned got wider when she saw how gorgeous it was on her figure. She starts swirling and twirling around it…not noticing her door open.
"Have you seen my-" Nikolaus paused at the sight of his sister who paused and gave each other a long blank stare.
She forgot to lock her door
"Stupid" She scolded herself. She better say something.
"Uh" She isn't exactly sure.
"Hi" She stupidly said. He finally snaps out of it.
"Nothing, nothing" He said before turning away and closing the door. With that, she immediately locked it and removed her dress and puts on her nightgown. Promising herself to double check her door, she plopped on her bed and drifts to sleep after a somewhat tiring day.
Notes: In case you're wondering why Nikolaus needs Hansel's 'help' is because Viktor have stolen and soiled Nikolaus' favorite clothes and is left with the 'plain and ugly' ones, so that's where Hansel's fashion sense enters, Viktor also tells him to ask Hansel's help or else he won't stop terrorizing his clothes. He actually likes her fashion sense and how resourceful she is with few things and that is why he decides bringing her to shop with him for new clothes, another reason why he is treating her new AND why is rather peaceful than loud mouth and bragging narcissist he should be is when he noticed Hansel acted around him, I did this because I always believe when the victim of bully starts ignoring the bully, the bully feels powerless over the victim.
In Emma's Disney World, she believes the zodiac sign of Hans is Scorpio, if you look up the personality and traits of the Scorpio, you will see similarities to Hansel. You are probably wondering if Hansel is loved by parents especially the fact she is the only girl and youngest, they should probably get her a gift on her birthday but due to an unknown delay it was sent late, of course, they weren't happy the gift was sent 3 days late since they know they never celebrate birthdays and the brothers won't greet her at all but overall glad it was finally sent with an apology letter.
The coronation dress is the second dress on Juliajm15's fanart of Fem,!Hans.