The Nutcracker | [Prince Eric X Reader]

p r o l o g u e

The Nutcracker |
[Prince Eric X Reader]
A Fanfiction by Mikayla Brits

Based on Elise Allen's Barbie in the Nutcracker (2001) &
Tchaikovsky's Instrumentals

Published Version in 2023 as
The Nutcracker by Wattpad Books, Reading and Writing

A short Fan-Fictional lighthearted (late) Christmassy Romance novel to get all Grinches into the Holiday Spirit, combined with Angst, Humour and Slow-Burn (but actually fast-burn), starring Prince Eric of Parthenia and (Y/N) (Y/L/N) as the Main Characters

Copyright © Mikayla Brits

~

December, 2001
LONDON, England

White snow fell in delicate strokes over the tall and short buildings of New London, blanketing it in a soft layer of crystal-like ice, dusting the parked motors and lampposts in sweet caster sugar. The most central part of the city, was strewn in Christmassy décor, bright fairy light bulbs of crimson and peppermint green dangling down the neutral walls and roofs, handmade or store-bought wreaths hung gently off doors and numerous blow-up Father Christmas' and Snowmen grinned joyfully at children, tween and young, across white blocked lawns. They giggled and ran, balling up fists of snow at chucking it at one another in regular intervals. Winter boots crunched loudly against the powdered sugar pavement as couples walked hand-in-hand on the sidewalk, sipping accordingly at their cardboard cups of coffee and gourmet hot chocolate beverages.

Over the horizon, the sun began to rise, fighting to peek through fence-like buildings, creating a colourful hue of beautiful dull reds, pinks, orange and golden-yellow. Even in the chilly, fresh morning air, life was scattered around the streets, the infamous ice-skating rink and Hyde Park. For the world was alight with luminous festive magic.

Shoppers rushed about, and in their arms, cradled a bunch of wrapped gifts and candies. The sweet, soft sound of carols drifted through the air, "...we wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas; and a happy New Year!" A little farther westwards, sat jolly old St. Nickolas and Mrs. Claus on their big, plush love-seats, inviting little ones to tell them their heart's greatest desire, amusing all around them.

"Ho! Ho! Ho!" His jelly-belly jiggled as he chuckled at a child's absurd gift request, the fluffy cloud-like white of his false beard following his sudden abrupt movements. "Ye want a Unicorn? A Unicorn? I'll see what I can do, dear Lila." Mrs. Claus' giggles joined in with her husband's raspy laughter, creating a melody and overlapping the chaos around them. "Fank you, Father Chrichstmithst!" The redhead sang, her grubby hands squeezing his obese body into a tight embrace. Father Christmas patted her head delicately, before a wide smile was stretching across his leathery, rose tinted cheeks. "Ooh, you are most welcome, child." With his buffy arms spread out, he motioned to the next family standing idly before him, "Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas, dears!"

Christmas at London was so magical, that it made even the grim onset of winter, feel suddenly...worthwhile. As December arrived, the gloomy skies of October to November glowed with Christmas Lights and on the ornately large Christmas Tree, all doing their best to melt the most cynical frozen hearts of...any Londoner. There was absolutely no need to have stayed indoors, and hibernate under a cosy blanket either.

Because outside it was a Winter Wonderland.

Old Big Ben stroke heavy:

Dong! Tap, tap. Dong!

Tap, tap. Dong!

Ca-Clink. Clink.

Click.

Dong!

High atop New London's Ballet Studio, Barbara and Kelly practiced the classic dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The former attempted to balance on her tippy toes, and failed miserably.

Little Kelly Roberts tried to mimic her eldest sister's steps, but she sadly stumbled over her own small ballet slipper-clad feet and landed on her behind. Doof. A soft whimper left her parted thin lips as her sunny blonde bun came undone and her light blue eyes grew sad. "You almost had it, Kelly." Barbara encouraged lightly, demonstrating the motions at a slower pace. One, two, three. One, two, three, four. One, two, three. One, two, three, four...! The little girl let out a sigh as she tried to follow along, only to fall over a second time.

Doof!

She was utterly and completely hopeless. Irritated, Kelly tugged at her thin locks of hair, and her feminine tone, changed now into a beastly growl, "Oh! I'm never going to get any of these steps right, Barbie!" She wailed, her form slumping on the polished hardwood floor, the risen sun streaks highlighting her saddened rounded features through the transparent glass windows. Barbie glanced at her little sister from the corner of her eye, before a light hope sparked inside of her.

"...o! Ho! Ho...!"

"...eck the halls with..."

"Merry Christmas!"

"...bells of holly! Tis, the season to be jolly!"

"Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Ho, ho, ho!"

"Falala lala la la!"

"Lala lala laaaa...!"

In understanding, Barbara trotted over to her personal practicing hot pink and silver coloured Phillips Stereo boombox near the barre, lifting a perfectly manicured fore-finger to pause the playing of Hoffmann Instrumentals. Carefully, she sat down crossed-legged next to Kelly, their knees touching, her expression kind and open. She had the same shade of beach blonde hair pulled into a tight bun at the top of her head and dark sapphire eyes glowed the same as her little sister's - it was only her more mature form and refined facial structure that differed from Kelly. That, and that Barbara was a more experienced dancer. That much was quite obvious. However: "If you keep practicing, you will..." Barbie whispered, her petite arm reaching around her little sister's shoulder to pull her closer in comfort.

From below Barbara's chin, Kelly's head moved as she curled her small knees up to her flat chest. The little girl's voice wobbled, and she whispered brokenly, "But-But what if I freeze out there...In front of...everybody?" She shook her head over and over again. Afraid. "You just have to find the courage to try." Barbie advised smartly. She placed a gentle, slender hand on Kelly's shoulder, smiling as someone special came to mind. "...like (Y/N)!" Her bright blue eyes lit up, sparking a sort of curiosity in Kelly.

Aforementioned child frowned deeply, her dark, bushy brows pulling together from under her fine fringe, "(Y/N)? From the ballet?" Barbara nodded her head up and down, up and down, as her pink glossed lips painted into a miniscule, goofy smile, "Uh-huh! You see, (Y/N) (Y/L/N) lost both her parents when she was very young. She, and her little brother, Tommy, were being raised by their Grandfather Fritz Drosselmeyer. He loved them...but, he was very stern..."

-

cringe warning ! i tried to sound fancy back then (a year ago).

since then, my writing style and aesthetic has changed a lot. enjoy tho !!