Dancing with Cinderella [The Beginning]
anonymous
February 2 2010, 07:14:58 UTC
The idea of a family seemed so evanescent. Austria saw no point in it. He was a nation, and perhaps that differed his viewpoint.
He had lived many years. Families haven't changed since his birth. There was mother. There was a father. And there was a child. It was always the same dynamic.
After a few decades... it would be over. The child would grow up. The parents would die. And the cycle would start all over again.
It was all pointless. For a nation with all the time in the world. The importance of family was so... meaningless.
"I'm pregnant."
Or so she said.
Austria stared at her for a long time, trying to gauge if she was joking.
But she was not.
Congratulations, he had said. He had always known Hungary wanted a family. She finally got her wish.
"Don't you... Want to be a part of his life?"
She bit her lip. He shook her head. Music, the piano, that was all he needed. He was fine.
Hungary was outraged.
"Why not?! Why not?! This child is yours! You... Don't you even care?!"
He was a nation. This child would be just another human. It wouldn't make a difference. If Hungary wanted material support, he would gladly provide. But as far as emotional attachment went, Austria saw no point.
It would all be over in a few years.
Why bother?
Nine months passed. Austria had seen his queens give birth. But Hungary was his wife. It... made all the difference.
Austria found himself pacing outside the hospital room.
The first time he heard that tiny heartbeat. Resounding from deep inside the womb...
It was the most beasutiful sound he had ever heard. Because he got it. He finally got it.
He was raising a life. This existence.
He was a nation. He was the culminations of ideas and beliefs. He represented thousands of people.
But they could live without him. Should he die, the world would keep on turning. His people would find new homes. But here...
Hungary smiled at him, cradling the newborn in her arms.
"It's a girl."
If he hadn't... She wouldn't... And oh god...
She was so small. So fragile. And she needed him.
"Baby, meet your Daddy. Austria, meet your daughter."
Hello.
Hello.
I'm your father. I brought you into this world. And I'm going to raise you. I'm going to protect you. I'm going to love you. I'm going to love you with everything I have. Because...
You're my daughter.
You're my everything.
Austria cradled that tiny baby. Kissing her softly, and listening to that precious heartbeat. Sweet, sweet music to his ears.
Because life without his daughter... No longer seemed possible.
Dancing with Cinderella [The Middle]
anonymous
February 2 2010, 07:32:47 UTC
Entering their humble abode, Hungary stood waiting at the doorway. A knowing smile painted on her face.
"Mama, are the cookies ready yet?"
"In a minute, baby. You have to wait. Why not show Papa your dance first?"
The little girl beamed, nodding her head excitedly.
"Dance? What dance?" Austria inquired, incredibly flustered. He was never one for dancing. His home was beside the piano, not waltzing on the floor.
"C'mon, Papa! To the music room!"
Austria allowed himself to be dragged. She got that exuberance from her mother. He couldn't help but smile at that.
"I still don't know what dance you speak of."
"Herr Francis Joseph invited me to a ball tonight." She cheerfully explained, not missing a beat.
"Did he now?" Austria replied, playing along. Again, he was not one for make-believe either. Such frivolities were beneath him.
"Yes!"
But he would make an exception. For his daughter, he would do anything. Pluck the moon from the skies, catch falling stars from the heavens. Anything.
"Well then, we must practice!"
He approached the piano, when he felt a sharp tug. Looking down, he met with her earnest gaze.
"Silly Papa! I need you!"
Austria raised an eyebrow. Oh, he knew where this was going. " Whatever for?"
"Every princess needs her prince. Am I right?"
And there was Hungary, seating herself at the piano bench.
"But... The cookies..." He feebly argued.
Hungary winked. Such a devious woman.
"Oh please, Papa! Please!" She pleaded.
Austria rolled his eyes, bowing lowly. There was never a shadow of a doubt. She need not even ask.
He bowed lowly. "Milady, may I have this dance?"
So I will dance with Cinderalla
She grinned, clumsily curtsying. "You may."
And he took her hand, still so much smaller than his. Free of calluses, free of burns, free from the taint of war. Austria took his daughter's hands.
While she is here in my arms.
The music could use some work. Some notes were off, the beat was unsteady. But Austria found himself unable to take offense. All his attention on this little girl, no doubt inventing the steps as she went.
Looking into her innocence, gazing at her smile, it felt as if his chest would explode. He had no idea he was capable of such emotions. This suffocating warmth that enveloped his entire being, embracing his very soul.
He didn't know he could love so hard.
His precious princess. His beloved daughter. His everything.
Dancing with Cinderella [The Middle Cont.]
anonymous
February 2 2010, 07:58:11 UTC
Th years passed... Softly and quietly, the years passed. His precious princess grew. And grew.
While he... Stayed exactly the same.
She was more beautiful than ever. The boys were beginning to notice. Unfortunately.
Austria had never been a violent person, but if he saw one more man eye his daughter so lustfully... Well, he had no qualms about borrowing Switzerland's shotguns and-!
"Hungary! How could you not be incensed at such crude behaviour! Look at what they're doing to our daughter!"
And the woman had the gall to laugh.
"You're so cute when you're jealous!"
"I am most certainly not!"
She rolled her eyes. "There's no need to worry. We have raised our daughter well. She will choose wisely."
Austria knew he was being petty. And still, he crossed his arms and pouted.
Hungary laughed once more. "Let it be, Austria. She's growing up."
She was growing up. She was growing taller each day. Her beauty blossoming. Once barely reaching his knee, she was now a mere head shorter. All smooth skin and soft curves. And as much as Austria tried to deny it. Plugging his ears and whining about it.
She was becoming a woman. She was growing up.
And Austria felt abandoned.
Where was his little girl? Wjere was the child that clung to him for dear life? Who begged he play her lullabies? Where was the princees that woke him in the middle of the night, terrified of some nightmare? Where was the baby he cradled so softly?
Did she not... need him anymore?
Somehow, playing Chopin was not enough.
"Papa? Papa! There you are!"
He looked up. His breath catching in his throat. Auburn locks pinned up, a light blush dusting her cheeks, a hint of mascara. Gold earrings and a flowing white dress. Modest but eye-catching. She looked stunning.
"Going somewhere?"
"Just a walk." She lied. She had always been a horrible liar.
"You look... beautiful."
Her blush darkened. "Really?"
And it hurt. Because she really was growing up. But still... she was so beautiful.
"Enjoy yourself."
She gazed at him. Austria remembered her infancy, when she first opened those clear, pure eyes. Gazing at him with such raw wonderment and awe. Loving him, no questions asked.
Because I know, something the prince never knew
And then, she smiled. His daughter, now a lady, smiled. Her smile had not changed. It was still warm. So sincere.
She tugged at him, taking his hand in hers.
"I need to practice my dancing."
She pulled him up.
"Oh please, Papa! Please!"
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
Austria took her into his arms, holding her close. Together they twirled and they spun across the wide, open floor. The world melting away. Her head on his shoulder, her heartbeat the only melody he needed.
Nothing had changed. She was still his princess.
Eventually, Austria met him. The infamous man who courted his daughter, who captured her heart, and who finally asked for his blessing.
Austria had only four words to say:
"Take care of here."
Hungary did most of the planning. Austria, of course, pitched in. But his advice only sent people into nervous breakdowns. Hungary eventually found a suitable role for him. An observer.
His daughter laughed. Pitying her father's predicament, she approached Austria. All smiles and happiness as she offered an alternate occupation.
"The wedding's still six months away. and I need to practice my dancing."
Dancing with Cinderella [The Middle Cont.]
anonymous
February 2 2010, 08:06:37 UTC
The wedding day arrived. It was a nice, quiet affair. Only his daughter's closest friends, and her fiance's family. It went through with little fanfare. Encountering no problems, until he walked her down the aisle.
The whispers from either side. They tried to be quiet. But Austria's carefully tuned ear could hear every word.
"Is that her brother?"
"I believe so. My son said she was an orphan."
"I heard her brother's been taking care of her this entire time."
"But she doesn't look much older than her! The poor darling."
Austria tensed. It became painful to breathe. The gravity of the situation finally settling in. He faltered at the last step. Staring at the altar laid out before him.
He was giving his daughter away. She was leaving him.
And it hurt. Neber before did being a nation pain him so. To stand still, so perfectly still. Caught in a stagnant whirlpool as the humans streamed past them. Never giving them a second though. Always leaving the Nations behind.
She squeezed his hand.
Startled from reverie, Austria gazed at his daughter. Her beauty radiant in pre-marital bliss. She smiled at him.
Austria let go.
Hungary sobbed into his chest. He held her tight. The house never seemed so empty.
Dancing with Cinderella [The End]
anonymous
February 2 2010, 08:11:41 UTC
The next year, Francis Ferdinand was assasinated. The European powers found themselves caught in a tangled web of alliances. The Great War erupted. Austria found himself in the midst of blood and chaos.
But not once did he leave his daughter. Always from afar, he made sure she was safe. That her family was safe.
Eventually he lost. Austria and his allies forced to submit to the victors. Still, Austria kept watch. Knowing Hungary was doing the exact same thing.
They watched from afar as streaks of gray peppered her hair. They watched in vain as wrinkles line the rosy youth of her cheeks. They watched with heavy hearts as she grew older.
And yet here they were. Stuck. Trapped in eternal youth.
Watching their child die. Watching their child live.
Dancing with Cinderella [Epilouge]
anonymous
February 2 2010, 08:31:56 UTC
It was pouring, the skies a dark, violent black. The congregation was small. Huddled masses beneath fragile shelter, paying their respects.
Erwin was twenty. He was the oldest grandson. He had dearly loved his grandmother. She would often tell him stories. She would claim they were memories, but he knew better.
She spoke of a grand, beautiful home. She spoke of meeting emperors, having tea with dukes. She spoke of dancing with a handsome prince.
Senile tales from an aging woman. Erwin treasured these stories nonetheless. It was all he had left.
A soft sob caught his attention. A young couple stood right beside him. They looked around his age. They piqued his curiosity. It was... strange to see people so young attending a funeral of someone so old. Especially if they were of no relation.
"Hello." He greeted softly. "My name is Erwin. I believe you've met my grandmother?"
The man looked up from his grieving wife. A flash of recognition quickly schooled into a solemn expression.
"Hello, Erwin. It is... a pleasure to meet you."
"Were you her friends?"
Erwin had never known his grandmother to have friends. Such young ones at that.
The man slowly, almost hesistantly nodded. His wife sobbed harder.
But if his grandmother did, Erwin had no objections.
The ebony casket was lowered. The dirt piled up. And all Austria could see was his little girl. His baby girl. His precious princess.
His beloved daughter.
He remembered cradling her in his arms. She had been so small. So hard to believe. Where did the time go? It was all so fast.
So... pointless.
At the end of the day, here they were. Nothing changed. He was still Austria. She was still Hungary. Embittered, hurting.
"A father should never bury his daughter." Austria whispered.
"Hmm?" Erwin murmured.
"Nothing."
Nothing.
Just the ghost of her shadow. Her ever-present smile. Her crystal laugh. And the echoes of heartbeats.
He cried.
There goes my life. There goes my future, my everything.
Re: Dancing with Cinderella [Epilouge]
anonymous
February 2 2010, 22:34:05 UTC
Daddy's-girl!anon here saying that she's bawling like crazy with this fill writer!anon! ToT I love seeing Austria being portrayed from this angle, since we hardly do.
Re: Dancing with Cinderella [Epilouge]
anonymous
February 3 2010, 01:05:46 UTC
There Goes My Life by Kenny Chesney. Yus. Ah, so you've heard the song then? But question is, can you name the other song I used? There are two songs in this story. I'll give you a cookie or a little something, I won't tell what, if you can guess.
Re: Dancing with Cinderella [Epilouge]
anonymous
February 3 2010, 13:31:15 UTC
This anon here has been reading fanfics since elementary school (more than few years have passed since that time ;D), but never before has a fic made her tear up and want to bawl her heart out. It may be something to do with the fact that yesterday was my birthday, so I'm feeling extra nostalgic. Beautiful fic. The ending killed my heart. D; Poor Austria!
He had lived many years. Families haven't changed since his birth. There was mother. There was a father. And there was a child. It was always the same dynamic.
After a few decades... it would be over. The child would grow up. The parents would die. And the cycle would start all over again.
It was all pointless. For a nation with all the time in the world. The importance of family was so... meaningless.
"I'm pregnant."
Or so she said.
Austria stared at her for a long time, trying to gauge if she was joking.
But she was not.
Congratulations, he had said. He had always known Hungary wanted a family. She finally got her wish.
"Don't you... Want to be a part of his life?"
She bit her lip. He shook her head. Music, the piano, that was all he needed. He was fine.
Hungary was outraged.
"Why not?! Why not?! This child is yours! You... Don't you even care?!"
He was a nation. This child would be just another human. It wouldn't make a difference. If Hungary wanted material support, he would gladly provide. But as far as emotional attachment went, Austria saw no point.
It would all be over in a few years.
Why bother?
Nine months passed. Austria had seen his queens give birth. But Hungary was his wife. It... made all the difference.
Austria found himself pacing outside the hospital room.
The first time he heard that tiny heartbeat. Resounding from deep inside the womb...
It was the most beasutiful sound he had ever heard. Because he got it. He finally got it.
He was raising a life. This existence.
He was a nation. He was the culminations of ideas and beliefs. He represented thousands of people.
But they could live without him. Should he die, the world would keep on turning. His people would find new homes. But here...
Hungary smiled at him, cradling the newborn in her arms.
"It's a girl."
If he hadn't... She wouldn't... And oh god...
She was so small. So fragile. And she needed him.
"Baby, meet your Daddy. Austria, meet your daughter."
Hello.
Hello.
I'm your father. I brought you into this world. And I'm going to raise you. I'm going to protect you. I'm going to love you. I'm going to love you with everything I have. Because...
You're my daughter.
You're my everything.
Austria cradled that tiny baby. Kissing her softly, and listening to that precious heartbeat. Sweet, sweet music to his ears.
Because life without his daughter... No longer seemed possible.
He needed her now.
His beloved princess
Reply
"Mama, are the cookies ready yet?"
"In a minute, baby. You have to wait. Why not show Papa your dance first?"
The little girl beamed, nodding her head excitedly.
"Dance? What dance?" Austria inquired, incredibly flustered. He was never one for dancing. His home was beside the piano, not waltzing on the floor.
"C'mon, Papa! To the music room!"
Austria allowed himself to be dragged. She got that exuberance from her mother. He couldn't help but smile at that.
"I still don't know what dance you speak of."
"Herr Francis Joseph invited me to a ball tonight." She cheerfully explained, not missing a beat.
"Did he now?" Austria replied, playing along. Again, he was not one for make-believe either. Such frivolities were beneath him.
"Yes!"
But he would make an exception. For his daughter, he would do anything. Pluck the moon from the skies, catch falling stars from the heavens. Anything.
"Well then, we must practice!"
He approached the piano, when he felt a sharp tug. Looking down, he met with her earnest gaze.
"Silly Papa! I need you!"
Austria raised an eyebrow. Oh, he knew where this was going. " Whatever for?"
"Every princess needs her prince. Am I right?"
And there was Hungary, seating herself at the piano bench.
"But... The cookies..." He feebly argued.
Hungary winked. Such a devious woman.
"Oh please, Papa! Please!" She pleaded.
Austria rolled his eyes, bowing lowly. There was never a shadow of a doubt. She need not even ask.
He bowed lowly. "Milady, may I have this dance?"
So I will dance with Cinderalla
She grinned, clumsily curtsying. "You may."
And he took her hand, still so much smaller than his. Free of calluses, free of burns, free from the taint of war. Austria took his daughter's hands.
While she is here in my arms.
The music could use some work. Some notes were off, the beat was unsteady. But Austria found himself unable to take offense. All his attention on this little girl, no doubt inventing the steps as she went.
Looking into her innocence, gazing at her smile, it felt as if his chest would explode. He had no idea he was capable of such emotions. This suffocating warmth that enveloped his entire being, embracing his very soul.
He didn't know he could love so hard.
His precious princess. His beloved daughter. His everything.
Reply
While he... Stayed exactly the same.
She was more beautiful than ever. The boys were beginning to notice. Unfortunately.
Austria had never been a violent person, but if he saw one more man eye his daughter so lustfully... Well, he had no qualms about borrowing Switzerland's shotguns and-!
"Hungary! How could you not be incensed at such crude behaviour! Look at what they're doing to our daughter!"
And the woman had the gall to laugh.
"You're so cute when you're jealous!"
"I am most certainly not!"
She rolled her eyes. "There's no need to worry. We have raised our daughter well. She will choose wisely."
Austria knew he was being petty. And still, he crossed his arms and pouted.
Hungary laughed once more. "Let it be, Austria. She's growing up."
She was growing up. She was growing taller each day. Her beauty blossoming. Once barely reaching his knee, she was now a mere head shorter. All smooth skin and soft curves. And as much as Austria tried to deny it. Plugging his ears and whining about it.
She was becoming a woman. She was growing up.
And Austria felt abandoned.
Where was his little girl? Wjere was the child that clung to him for dear life? Who begged he play her lullabies? Where was the princees that woke him in the middle of the night, terrified of some nightmare? Where was the baby he cradled so softly?
Did she not... need him anymore?
Somehow, playing Chopin was not enough.
"Papa? Papa! There you are!"
He looked up. His breath catching in his throat. Auburn locks pinned up, a light blush dusting her cheeks, a hint of mascara. Gold earrings and a flowing white dress. Modest but eye-catching. She looked stunning.
"Going somewhere?"
"Just a walk." She lied. She had always been a horrible liar.
"You look... beautiful."
Her blush darkened. "Really?"
And it hurt. Because she really was growing up. But still... she was so beautiful.
"Enjoy yourself."
She gazed at him. Austria remembered her infancy, when she first opened those clear, pure eyes. Gazing at him with such raw wonderment and awe. Loving him, no questions asked.
Because I know, something the prince never knew
And then, she smiled. His daughter, now a lady, smiled. Her smile had not changed. It was still warm. So sincere.
She tugged at him, taking his hand in hers.
"I need to practice my dancing."
She pulled him up.
"Oh please, Papa! Please!"
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
Austria took her into his arms, holding her close. Together they twirled and they spun across the wide, open floor. The world melting away. Her head on his shoulder, her heartbeat the only melody he needed.
Nothing had changed. She was still his princess.
Eventually, Austria met him. The infamous man who courted his daughter, who captured her heart, and who finally asked for his blessing.
Austria had only four words to say:
"Take care of here."
Hungary did most of the planning. Austria, of course, pitched in. But his advice only sent people into nervous breakdowns. Hungary eventually found a suitable role for him. An observer.
His daughter laughed. Pitying her father's predicament, she approached Austria. All smiles and happiness as she offered an alternate occupation.
"The wedding's still six months away. and I need to practice my dancing."
He smiled.
"Oh please, Papa! Please!"
I don't want to miss even one song
She didn't even need to ask.
Reply
The whispers from either side. They tried to be quiet. But Austria's carefully tuned ear could hear every word.
"Is that her brother?"
"I believe so. My son said she was an orphan."
"I heard her brother's been taking care of her this entire time."
"But she doesn't look much older than her! The poor darling."
Austria tensed. It became painful to breathe. The gravity of the situation finally settling in. He faltered at the last step. Staring at the altar laid out before him.
He was giving his daughter away. She was leaving him.
And it hurt. Neber before did being a nation pain him so. To stand still, so perfectly still. Caught in a stagnant whirlpool as the humans streamed past them. Never giving them a second though. Always leaving the Nations behind.
She squeezed his hand.
Startled from reverie, Austria gazed at his daughter. Her beauty radiant in pre-marital bliss. She smiled at him.
Austria let go.
Hungary sobbed into his chest. He held her tight. The house never seemed so empty.
Reply
But not once did he leave his daughter. Always from afar, he made sure she was safe. That her family was safe.
Eventually he lost. Austria and his allies forced to submit to the victors. Still, Austria kept watch. Knowing Hungary was doing the exact same thing.
They watched from afar as streaks of gray peppered her hair. They watched in vain as wrinkles line the rosy youth of her cheeks. They watched with heavy hearts as she grew older.
And yet here they were. Stuck. Trapped in eternal youth.
Watching their child die. Watching their child live.
Reply
Erwin was twenty. He was the oldest grandson. He had dearly loved his grandmother. She would often tell him stories. She would claim they were memories, but he knew better.
She spoke of a grand, beautiful home. She spoke of meeting emperors, having tea with dukes. She spoke of dancing with a handsome prince.
Senile tales from an aging woman. Erwin treasured these stories nonetheless. It was all he had left.
A soft sob caught his attention. A young couple stood right beside him. They looked around his age. They piqued his curiosity. It was... strange to see people so young attending a funeral of someone so old. Especially if they were of no relation.
"Hello." He greeted softly. "My name is Erwin. I believe you've met my grandmother?"
The man looked up from his grieving wife. A flash of recognition quickly schooled into a solemn expression.
"Hello, Erwin. It is... a pleasure to meet you."
"Were you her friends?"
Erwin had never known his grandmother to have friends. Such young ones at that.
The man slowly, almost hesistantly nodded. His wife sobbed harder.
But if his grandmother did, Erwin had no objections.
The ebony casket was lowered. The dirt piled up. And all Austria could see was his little girl. His baby girl. His precious princess.
His beloved daughter.
He remembered cradling her in his arms. She had been so small. So hard to believe. Where did the time go? It was all so fast.
So... pointless.
At the end of the day, here they were. Nothing changed. He was still Austria. She was still Hungary. Embittered, hurting.
"A father should never bury his daughter." Austria whispered.
"Hmm?" Erwin murmured.
"Nothing."
Nothing.
Just the ghost of her shadow. Her ever-present smile. Her crystal laugh. And the echoes of heartbeats.
He cried.
There goes my life.
There goes my future, my everything.
"I love you, Daddy. Good night."
The song had ended.
She will be gone
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Alright, I bawled.
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and I'll admit I bawled, such a touching story you wrote <3
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It was so beautiful and touching. You need to post this on fanfiction.net and get some credit for this art, if you haven't already.
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Congratulations, you have written the second.
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