Writerverse - Challenge #03: Table of DOOM: Sweets
Title: You Have to Try This
Author: rubystandish
Rating: G
Characters/Pairings: Hansel, Gretel, and Ben, with mention of Edward.
Word Count: 1,047
Warnings: Not really.
Spoilers: Kind of a spoiler of the movie because it takes place afterward.
Author's Notes: Made for the writerverse Table of Doom challenge, using the prompt SWEETS.
Disclaimer: I do not own Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.
Summary: Hansel hated sweets and anyone who knew about their past knew why but his sister just wouldn't leave it alone.
~*~
Hansel hated sweets and anyone who knew about their past knew why but his sister just wouldn't leave it alone. Every time they walk through the market or stayed at some new inn, she would insist that he try some kind of new food or meal.
And today was no different.
They were in between hunts at the moment but had stopped in a small village to pick up some supplies for their journey to the next town that had a witch problems. Ben and Gretel walked ahead of him by only a few feet. They were stopped at a cart here and a stand there but if nothing caught their eye they would move on. Gretel would do most of the haggling with the sellers while Ben were just there to carry somewhat she got.
They started to walk by a fruit cart when Gretel grabbed Ben's arm and pulled him towards it. Hansel shot her a confused look when she glanced at him. “I told Edward that we would get some apples,” she said with a smile.
He shook his head, "You're going to spoil that guy.”
“I kind of feel sorry for him, having to serve those witches for most of his life and the fact that he has to stay in the forest most of the time.”
It was true, the troll had become a great member of the team but being a troll they would sometimes be asked by the mayor that Edward stay in the forest. Which most of the time, Edward didn't really seem to care that much.
Hansel glanced at the cart but he knew that he wasn't going to find anything there that he would like. Most fruits were too sweet and they reminded him too much of something else that was sweet.
He decided to stand watch while Gretel and Ben looked over the fruit, although he wasn't sure what he was watching. No one had paid any attention to them since they got here. Either no one in this town knew about the Witch Hunters or they knew and wanted nothing to do with them.
“You look like a lady who knows her fruits.” Hansel turned back to the cart to see the vendor talking to Gretel, his sister just smiled. “I have here some fruit that is very rare in this season.” The man pulled a basket out from behind the small counter. It was cover with a white cloth but it had gotten Gretel's attention.
“What is it?” Ben asked as he moved a little closer.
“Strawberries.” The vendor uncovered the basket to show it filled with little red fruits.
Hansel had to admit that they did look good, each one of them were blight red with green laves on top but the first, and last strawberry that he had was way too sweet for him. Although, the vendor was right strawberries were a rare thing for this time of year with winter coming upon them.
“Mmm, those look good.” Gretel lend closer to have a look.
“Oh, they are madam, they are indeed. In fact they're so good, I'm going to let you try one and let the fruit sell itself.
“Gretel,” Hansel gave a small warning as his sister took the offer berry.
“Oh relax Hansel, it's just fruit.”
She flashed him a grin and took a small bite of the berry. She closed her eyes, “Mmmm. That is really good.” She turned toward him, “Hansel, you have to try this.”
He held his hand up to block it and shook his head. “Oh no, I remember the last strawberry that you got me to try. You know that I don't like anything sweet.”
“Oh come on,” she begged pouting her lips like she always dose when she wants something.
“I'll try it,” Ben offered taking a step closer. Gretel turn and offered the fruit to him. He took a small bite and handed it back to her. “Mmm, that is good. You should really try it Hansel.”
“No thanks,” Hansel said with a shake of his head.
“But I want your opinion on if I should get some or not.”
Hansel glanced at his sister and then at the vendor. The man stared at the three of them as if waiting to see if they were buy the rest of the berries. “It's your money Gretel, do whatever you want with it.”
“Pleeeese Hansel.”
He gave a sigh. She knew that he hated sweet things but he knew that she wouldn't give up until he took a bite. So, he gave in and took a bite. He made a big show of chewing it, “Mmm, mmm, mmm.” He gave a thumb-up and nodded his head.
“Oh good!” Gretel turned to the vendor, “I'll take the whole basket and some of your apples as well.”
“Excellent!” the merchant went about getting the fruit as Gretel and Ben pointed out which apples they wanted.
The moment none of them were looking, Hansel spit the strawberry into his hand and tossed it onto the ground behind. He took a sip from his water-skin to get the taste out of his mouth and went back to keeping watch on everything going on around them. Once they were done getting the fruit, Gretel turned and gave him a grin as she put her gold away.
It was one of those rare moments when he actually felt like they were just a brother and sister out doing some everyday shopping for their family and not stocking up for a journey. Then Ben had to open his mouth.
“Why don't you like anything sweets?”
Hansel gave a glare that made the young man take a step back from him. “I thought you were our biggest fan.”
He pushed past Ben and moved on to the next set of merchant carts. He didn't want to talk about it, if the boy wanted to know why, he could find out himself. Although, Hansel had to hold back the chuckle when he heard a impact of a hand hitting the back of a head and Gretel saying something about only she can pick on him.
The End