The Nutcracker Prince -Part 4 The Finale (Patreon)

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Greetings! Merry Christmas! If you read part 3 and enjoyed it, well, then you've enjoyed the original ending to the Nutcracker Prince movie I based my story upon! And, it's a good, solid ending. Happy. Leaves you with a warm feeling. So if you're good with that then I'm happy that you're happy and if you stop there I have no qualms or judgement! I just have a little more story to tell... and a need to bring my OTP of Hans and Clarence closer together! 

Enjoy this, the finale to THE NUTCRACKER PRINCE!

“So, Clarence, vat vas it zat you vished to schpeek about?” Godfather Drosselmeier asked; breaking the moment between Hans and Clarence that had felt suspended in time.

Clarence shook his head in a bit of a daze as he pulled himself back to reality. “Ah...um… I… I’ve… It was all just a nightmare I had,” he responded, “I dreamt that I’d lost The Nutcracker you gave me for Christmas and in my sorrow and shock from my dream I rushed over here in desperation. But, I’ve come to see my...my foolishness and rash behaviour. It was just a nightmare; I realize it now,” he blushed.

His godfather comforted him with warm words of sympathy and reassurance.

“Anyway,” Clarence carried on a moment later, “I’ve come to see whether you were still coming to our house this early evening for our New Year’s celebration? Since, after all, we’re hosting it early due to us travelling out of town in two days to spend the occasion with some of Papa’s family in the North,” he explained mostly for Hans’ benefit. Drosselmeier would have already known the reasoning for the early party.

“Yes I belief I schall make it,” the toymaker agreed.

“Oh of course Hans is welcomed to come,” Clarence invited, “I’m sure Pa-pa and Ma-ma would absolutely love to have him and get to meet your nephew!”

Hans smiled shyly from his position several feet away.

“Then ve schall make it,” Uncle Drosselmeier nodded.

Clarence could not hide his grin. “Uh well um… I should get going back home. My family must be in quite a start from seeing me exit our house so fast. I will let them know we are to expect you both,” he smiled gently. “Um… sorry again Uncle Drosselmeier for coming in here in such a hysterical state. And it was a pleasure to meet you at last, Hans,” Clarence expressed with a small bow of his head and a shy smile.

“A pleasure indeed,” Hans returned warmly.

Feeling his cheeks blushing, Clarence made his exit and raced home again. He had realized that he was wearing no more than his bed clothes underneath his coat and his hair was uncombed and uncouth. He must have been quite the sight!

Upon his reentry to his home, Clarence apologized to his family members and claimed his ‘nightmare’ to have been the cause.

“What happened to your bandages Clarence?” his mother asked with growing concern as she examined him now seated on a plush chair.

“Oh Ma-ma I am fine now,” Clarence assured. “Honestly!”

“Just because you feel fine does not give you permission to go running off and to remove your bandages! Wilhelmina call for the doctor at once we will have him examined,” she called to one of the household staff who had come in to help with the dinner preparations and had just been walking by with fresh linens.

“Ma-ma I am fine I assure you!” Clarence complained, “I rested all of yesterday!”

“We will let the doctor be the judge of your state,” she dismissed his words.

“But Ma-ma I must attend tonight’s party! Uncle Drosselmeier is going to bring his nephew!”

“Nephew?” Louise repeated.

“I didn’t actually believe him!” Fritz exclaimed.

“What’s this about a nephew?” Karl, their father, pressed curiously.

“Uncle Drosselmeier has a nephew! His name is Hans and he will be coming here tonight with him! I must be at the party tonight!” Clarence urged.

“I had no idea ol’ Drossel had any family,” Karl mused, “How wonderful; we shall be delighted to have the fellow! I imagine he must be older; of our season of life,” Karl chuckled to his wife.

“Oh no Pa he’s much younger! My age, thereabouts!” Clarence corrected.

“Oh how curious!” Karl responded but no one could get into guessing any more on the matter for Clarence pressed on with his insistence to be at the dinner party that night and his mother was forced to argue against it,

“If and when the doctor declares you are well then you may join any party,” she countered. Clarence groaned but he could not win against his Ma-ma and was forced back upstairs into bed until Dr. Hausen could arrive for his evaluation.

Clarence prayed silently as it went on that he’d be given a clean bill of health. He breathed a heavy sigh of relief when his prayers were indeed answered and he was given permission to attend the festivities that evening!

Both Louise and his mother however remained cautious and anxious over Clarence’s state of well being. The young man was still acting a little hysterical as he complained about his outfits; trying them on or laying them out and finding something displeasing within minutes. It doesn’t fit right! This colour doesn’t suit me! Oh this seems too plain! Where is a ribbon for my hair to match?

“Whatever seems to be wrong?” Louise interjected as she saw Clarence yet again looking himself over with a scowl in the mirror in their shared corridor.

“Nothing seems to look right!”

Louise knew the feeling but she could not understand why her brother, who was less than vain, seemed now to have taken on a trait of high maintenance. Could his fall two nights ago have affected him so intensely? “What is the issue? Why do you need to look a certain way anyhow?” she pressed.

“I must make a good first impression!” Clarence responded as he adjusted his cravat impatiently, “Uncle Drosselmeier is bringing his only family over to our home and I wish for us all to… Oh I don’t know!”

“Certainly you don’t think we will embarrass Uncle Drosselmeier do you?” Louise posed a bit testily.

“No, but… It’s just: I am Uncle Drosselmeier’s godson and as such I… I just want to...to look my best and make a good impression on his nephew. He and I hold a similar role to Uncle and… well in his case he holds the higher esteem being family to Uncle. I want him to feel… Oh I don’t know! But I just want to be my best for tonight; it is a special night for all of us!”

Louise thought she could perhaps understand her brother’s reasoning. “What about your sky blue frock?”

“Oh I’ve outgrown it!” Clarence lamented, “And it looked so well on me!”

“That it did!” Louise agreed as she beheld him nervously brushing off the front of his jacket which was the colour of chestnuts. “What about your green?”

“Green?”

“Why yes! The evergreen-emerald looking one!”

Clarence was momentarily stunned into silent contemplation and she took the moment to usher him along towards his room to look into his wardrobe. “I think the colour will impress but not make you stand out wildly against our family or the other guests,” she professed.

“I-I just thought that it was too in contrast with...with…” Clarence shrugged as he could come up with no true argument and slumped his shoulders in defeat.

As he looked himself over again some minutes later, Clarence still felt some despairing over his appearance. Something still didn’t feel quite right even though he knew this was probably the best to wear for tonight.

Perhaps it was that he remembered the gorgeous golden coat and trousers from The Land of the Dolls. He knew its magical hues could never be replicated here and now and yet he still wished for something that he had felt so confident and handsome in. The golds and yellows had complimented him so well; from his hair to his eyes. ‘It was magic. It was all magic. Get it out of your head!’ he told himself repeatedly as he ran his hands down his trousers for the thousandth time while he and his family waited at the entrance to their house to greet their guests a couple hours later.

He also couldn’t shake his nerves at seeing Hans again. Surely he’d imagined it? Had Uncle Drosselmeier’s nephew truly resembled The Nutcracker Prince? The sensible part of his mind told him he’d let his fairy stories and fantastic dreams bleed into his waking life.

And yet a larger, more confident part of him; the part of him ruled by his heart knew that his Nutcracker and Hans bore the same features; were the same. So then, Hans was indeed the young apprentice in the story that his godfather had told that had been cursed by The Mouse Queen. Could Uncle Drosselmeier, and Hans as well, truly have lived and worked for a King and Queen? How long ago was this? Where was this -for Clarence knew no such history in their own country? How had the evil Mouse King known where to find The Nutcracker? Was Uncle Drosselmeier truly in possession of his own magic? There were more questions than answers in Clarence’s head as he anxiously awaited Hans and Drosselemeier’s arrival so that he could then find opportunity to ask them.

When at last the time came, Clarence’s mind stopped racing as he beheld the two enter and remove their hats.

Oh but Hans looked so handsome and kind as he thanked the staff for taking his things one by one and he shook the snow off of his jacket ever so carefully before handing it over. 

The apprentice was finely dressed; Drosselmeier had either had something already at his shop or had managed to borrow from the local haberdasher at such a last minute need for clothing. The young nephew wore a deep royal blue frock coat fully buttoned to the middle of his chest atop an embroidered beige waistcoat and white breeches. 

When he turned to accept the welcome from Clarence’s father and the introductions from his uncle, his blue eyes seemed to catch the light and Clarence’s breath was caught in nervousness.

There was no mistake. This young man before him was Clarence’s beloved Nutcracker; one and the same.

The young man felt a bit of his nervousness assuage as he saw how nervous Hans too looked as he shook Karl’s hand and squeezed Ingrid’s before placing a gentle kiss to her gloved knuckles.

“This here is our eldest: Louise,” Karl introduced in his booming voice.

Louise looked absolutely enchanted as Hans smiled at her and his bright blue eyes seemed to be so charming beneath the darkness of his hair which was swept back with a black ribbon.

“And this is Clarence, our eldest son,” Karl introduced.

Hans’ gaze turned on Clarence and he smiled even wider than he had at Louise.

“It’s wonderful to see you again,” Clarence exhaled breathily, smiling shyly back.

“You met him already?”

“Y-yes Papa earlier this morning at Uncle Drosselmeier’s workshop,” Clarence answered quickly.

“The pleasure is mine thank you for your kind invitation,” Hans expressed causing Clarence to blush a little.

“And you must be Fritz,” Hans went on as he turned to the youngest.

“How’d you know my name?” the young boy posed in curious suspicion.

“Why my uncle has spoken of you and your love for toy soldiers and great battles. D’you know: I know a wonderful story about an epic battle I took part in myself that I shall have to tell you sometime if you wish to hear it,” Hans smiled.

Fritz grinned back, impressed. “Were your soldiers triumphant?”

“Oh but of course,” Hans grinned and winked, “I’m certain with a general like you that your troops always reach victory.”

“You think right!” Fritz stood up straight in a smug manner.

“Don’t encourage him,” Clarence laughed softly in some embarrassment.

Fritz cut his brother a sour look but Hans didn’t respond to Clarence. “We shall have to talk later,” he told young Fritz then sent a quick smile at the older brother.

“Please carry on into the parlour where refreshments are waiting,” Ingrid spoke kindly, “We are so glad to have you both.”

Drosselmeier thanked her as he brought his nephew through. “Happy to meet you all,” Hans expressed as then he followed his uncle but not before letting his eyes linger contact for a few moments with Clarence over his shoulder as they went into the other room while Clarence and his family awaited the last of their guests.

Clarence ran almost on autopilot after that as he greeted everyone else. All he could think about was the fact that Hans was here and that he was dying to get his Nutcracker alone so that the two could talk.

Once all of the guests had arrived, Karl and Ingrid went up with their family to make a short speech in front of the guests in the parlour thanking them for their attendance, their friendship and familial bonds and praying that they each be blessed going into this new year ahead.

Clarence nervously glanced at Hans while standing alongside his father on the orchestra dias and saw the young man’s rapt attention on the host and hostess of the feast. Something felt all at once peaceful and nerve-wracking staring candidly at this face that Clarence had come to trust so much as the other young man was unaware of such attentions.

With the speech over, everyone was ushered to dinner in the dining room. Both Hans and Clarence were surprised to find themselves seated across from one another at the long table dressed so finely for the occasion. Clarence felt his heart thudding in his chest and heard nothing else for several moments. If only he knew that Hans too was experiencing a similar sensation across from him even though the apprentice looked happy and composed.

It wasn’t long before questions were asked regarding Hans and his parentage. “He iz my schister’s son,” Drosselmeier explained, “Zey had him placed in school before zey passed many years ago. He haz come to apprentice here wif me now.”

“And why don’t you both have a similar accent?” Louise posed after she’d noticed.

“Ah I was raised in a different country to my uncle,” he explained, “My accent is so similar to this place while poor Uncle has such a thick accent!”

“Vich I am proud of,” the toymaker exclaimed earning some chuckles and looks of amusement.

The group learned that Hans was seventeen, almost eighteen and that his parents had been blessed with him at an older age which explained why his uncle was so advanced in years before topics of conversation finally steered away to other matters.

Dinner went on for over an hour and while Clarence found that he was required to do little talking and was actually able to listen to much of the conversation around him, he was quietly dying to curve all of his conversation at Hans. But the combination of nerves and desired conversation topics that would be most inappropriate to pose to Hans unless they had a bit more privacy so as not to be overheard kept Clarence’s interactions to a minimum. Hans for his part seemed to politely respond to conversation all around him when he was able and appeared to be a gracious and willing guest amongst those others at this feast. It frustrated Clarence all the more and made his impatience rise. Don’t you know me? It’s true, isn’t it?! he wanted to cry out. You and I shared such an adventure! You know and I know it, don’t we?!

It was hardly appropriate to bring up now and would certainly initiate questioning from everyone else. What did you share? How could you both know each other? Clarence’s sanity might be questioned.

He waited until dinner was over and the guests began milling about the parlour and ballroom.

“Uncle, Pa-pa… May I volunteer to host Hans and show him around and so forth tonight as we are so close in age and I know how feisty the two of you can get in your talks?” Clarence teased his two elders.

“Feisty Clarence?” his father laughed meanwhile young Hans looked amused.

“Oh yes Pa-pa! You have port and mulled wine and then you regale Uncle Drosselmeier with stories and song and likewise the two of you scheme away plans for grand designs in the new year! As a young man myself I know the feeling of being stuck in your conversations of business and pleasures that I know not of,” Clarence explained elegantly as he kept a tone of amusement.

“I do schopose ve get carried avay,” Drosselmeier conceded.

Karl laughed in amusement. “Very well Clarence be both host and saviour of young Hans here! Hans I believe you will find Clarence fair and full of conversation to guide you through all of our guests comfortably,” he praised his son. “Did I tell you, Clarence is in the ballet?”

“Yes Papa you mentioned it before at dinner,” Clarence responded with some bashfulness.

“Don’t be intimidated therefore when it comes time and you see him dancing,” Karl encouraged.

“I’ve no doubt his skills surpass many of us from experience but I won’t be intimidated,” Hans vowed with a small, gentle smile.

“Come Hans there is much to show you. Thank you Pa-pa, Uncle Drosselmeier,” the shy Clarence cut in, hoping to end this conversation as quickly and politely as possible.

When they’d excused themselves, Clarence beckoned Hans to follow him going so far as to grab the taller young man’s hand as they came to the exit of the room and gently and enthusiastically pulling him along. Though surprised, Hans held on and kept pace.

Clarence did not stop until they were safely in an empty part of the house; the door closed behind them. The moonlight shone brightly through the window and illuminated the young man’s expression as he spoke, “I have been dying to get you away since the moment you got here.”

Blue eyes stared back into his with amusement twinkling through them.

“Don’t laugh!” Clarence blushed.

“It’s just… you’re so eager,” Hans returned, squeezing Clarence’s hand which was still in his.

“Yes well… I just need to know that it wasn’t all a dream,” Clarence admitted gently, heart now pounding.

Hans did not reply but something in his face; the softness of his features particularly in his eyes gave Clarence all the answers he needed. 

The blonde let out a large breath —not realizing he’d even been holding it— and struggled to hold back a smile. “I...I knew it,” he exhaled with shyness in his tone.

“Listen, Clarence, I—”

“No, you don’t have to say anything, Hans. Please,” he interrupted, “I need to apologize for everything last night. I’m so sorry; I failed you— I failed all of you! I was selfish and I… None of you deserved that after everything we’d all been through and—”

“Clarence, no,” Hans interrupted as he took a small step inwards and squeezed the young man’s hand, “You did the right thing! You didn’t condemn us you /saved/ us! Without you, The Curse never would have been broken! You faced The Mouse King head on and won! You were brave. 

“And just before that moment, you did the right thing: when faced with the decision you made the choice to live out your life. I don’t fault you for that; I certainly can’t! You had the possibility of a wonderful future of your own imagining in front of you and you chose to pursue that. I was happy for you; I still am! 

“The magic tore us away but it all worked out again thanks to you. I am so proud of you and we are all grateful to you. You saved everyone...you freed me!” Hans placed his free hand onto Clarence’s blushing cheek and held him firmly as he spoke then smiled encouragingly when he’d finished his speech.

Clarence’s eyes searched Hans’ face and found consolation, support and peace. After a few moments of letting it all settle in, he launched himself forward and hugged Hans tightly with both arms around the former Prince of the Dolls.

Hans for his part was surprised by the embrace but hugged back.

“I thought I’d lost you,” Clarence whispered a moment later.

A smile came to Hans’ lips and he gently pulled out of the hug. “You haven’t. And now, we shall both get what we’ve always wanted. I will get to be a simple, humble apprentice and you will dance and travel the world.”

“But...then we shan’t be together,” Clarence argued. “I couldn’t bear leaving you behind for months or years at a time. You mean too much to me now, Hans. I am not afraid to say so.”

Hans’ face softened and he smiled again, “Ah but you mean much to me too Clarence. And perhaps not all is lost. Uncle Frederich— Uncle Drosselmeier is not tied to this city. Perhaps then he and I can work with the ballet as set designers and props masters. Then, we shall be closer and even if you go on tour and we stay behind any new props or repairs will need to be delivered or the ballet to return and rehearse. We shall not part for long upon our journeys.”

Clarence seemed to lighten up at the proposition. “Yes perhaps then that would do,” he whispered in agreement. He reached out and took Hans’ hands and gave them a squeeze. Hans squeezed back feeling a warmth of heart at seeing Clarence happier.

“Did Uncle— Did our uncle know about how important we would be to one another?” Clarence posed in curiosity.

Hans shook his head, his dark hair swaying a little with the movement. “He told me that he did not know you would be involved in the breaking of The Curse -not at first at least. As a young boy you seemed full of wonder but he had to be certain and waited until your youth was almost at an end. And then, he saw in you whatever spark he knew was required to help the magic along. Or that is how he explained it to me, at least,” Hans concluded with a gentle smile. “He told me he knew you would find such confidence but did not know that in helping you would find...such a bond with me or that I would form such a deep one to you in return. He suspected we would get along well and a friendship would form; that your kind nature would want to see me and the other dolls protected and safe but the rest, well…” Hans shrugged a little with a gentle smile. “I told Uncle that you and I found in one another the strength and confidence to be the best we can be and not to be afraid of the future. I didn’t tell him much else but I think he knows that...that we are to each other what no one else can describe or take away from us; two souls so similar who have found one another in this world at last.”

Clarence stared into Hans’ eyes with a fond smile. The young man across from him had again put so eloquently into words what Clarence felt in his heart and mind.

“Clarence, I have forgotten…” Hans took a small breath, “I should return this to you. Tis quite overdue—” He leaned in slowly and a moment later let their lips meet.

Clarence closed his eyes in that instant and allowed the kiss to linger tenderly. Both of them felt a sense of peace and belonging there with one another in that moment as they had several times before.

When their lips disconnected, Clarence kept his eyes closed for another moment before gently exhaling and looking at Hans briefly before embracing him again in a hug and resting his forehead on Hans’ shoulder. A few seconds later, he withdrew and put a hand on Hans’ cheek with a small, fond smile before pulling him in and resting their foreheads together.

Hans took a slow and deep breath, treasuring the quiet setting and tender exchange of calm, peaceful affection in that minute that felt suspended in time.

It would be no surprise to him if Uncle Drosselmeier had anything to do with the feeling they both seemed to be experiencing of being wrapped in such a private scene without fear of disturbal.

But both agreed, eventually, that they should carry on. “We should get back to the party I suppose. I imagine we’ll start the dances soon.”

“Oh!” Hans exclaimed in surprise. He hadn’t thought about that detail.

But Clarence seemed to be thinking the unspoken for he declared next, “I should teach you a few of them. I imagine they are a lot different to what you may know and there is no magic here to make you move in the right way when it comes time.” He moved immediately to light the gas lamps so that they could have more than just moonlight to practice under.

Hans seemed to be blushing. “That would be greatly appreciated, Clarence. Thank you.”

“Only if you want,” Clarence assuaged, “I don’t want to be...overbearing. Or patronize you.”

“No, no. I am quite certain I shall be quite lost without your help!” Hans responded with a gentle nervous chuckle.

“Well then let’s begin with the most common dances. You’ll likely have a partner for most of them and so I will teach you your part.”

“I do not know what I would do without you dearest Clarence!” Hans mused with a nervous laugh as they began.

The ballet dancer now turned teacher did not know how long he had been teaching Hans before the two’s privacy was at length interrupted by the arrival of Louise:

“Oh there you are! Clarence you and Hans are missed at the party! And whatever are you doing in here!?” she pressed as she saw the two paused mid-step; hands clasped over their heads; the others on their hips.

“Your brother is teaching me to dance!” Hans admitted, “Though I come from this country I’ve not gone to many balls or dances and don’t know the ones local to this region.”

“Well goodness me!” Louise exclaimed, suddenly reminding both Clarence and Hans of a certain painted-lipped doll they knew, “You should be practicing with a woman or young lady!” she chastised, “I will help!”

“That is most kind of you,” Hans expressed politely as Clarence felt his mood dip at having to surrender his dance partner and their privacy to his older sister.

Hans showed off what he knew with Louise to partner and within short minutes she was satisfied that Hans would flourish out on the dance floor. “I must admit my brother taught you well,” she expressed as she allowed Hans to take her arm and escort her back to the main room where dancing was starting up already with a lively waltz.

The sound of the small orchestra was preferable to the harpsichord that had been started up in the background of conversation when Clarence had left with Hans some time ago.

Louise was quickly taken to make turns about the room with Jakob who had wondered where she had slipped off to.

This left Clarence and Hans alone again on the side of the room together where Clarence had a chance to quietly apologize, “I am sorry my sister burst in and took such command. She does so quite often.”

“She is headstrong, yes, but nothing either of us can’t handle. She seems a little more humble than our dear Marie, of course.”

This brought a smile of reminiscence to Clarence’s face. “Quite so.”

Fritz scurried through the room with two small friends in tow. He wasn’t interested to watch the dancing or participate being young as he was and having his smaller cousin and a family friend’s son there to play with gave him some purpose. Though, being the oldest of the small troupe he sometimes found it difficult to play the way he wished to play.

At the moment he and the little ones were running and laughing and in their haste and childish ignorance whilst playing games they were interrupting the path of the dancers. With quick reflexes, Hans reached out and scooped Fritz out of the way just before a collision from behind with two happy, dancing guests.

“That was a close one, General Fritz,” Hans exclaimed as he and Fritz looked at one another. The young boy was too pleased by the title to be upset by Hans’ interference with his game. “What enemy were you chasing?”

“Oh we were launching an assault,” Fritz corrected in a casual tone making Hans smile. At invitation from the older boy Fritz explained his entire scenario. Hans listened with rapt interest and a smile, charming over Clarence’s youngest sibling.

Clarence was pulled to dance, much to his regret, but Hans reassured that he was fine to stay and talk with ‘such a decorated and clever general’!

Clarence took a turn around the room while Hans entertained Fritz with toy soldier and battle talk. The other two children had long exited the room and had returned to play with toys by the Christmas tree in the other room.

Hans had to oblige a dance with one and then two partners but beforehand promised to return and finish his story of an epic battle between young prince and cruel tyrant king. Fritz was enchanted and decided he’d remain by the snack tables and fill up on sweets.

Clarence was relieved when the dancing took a brief pause and he went immediately to Hans’ side. “Still doing alright?” he queried anxiously.

“Quite well,” Hans responded with a smile. “And before you apologize for your brother, you needn’t do so. We spoke, soldier to soldier,” Hans winked.

Clarence laughed nervously under his breath. “Oh if he only knew what we’ve seen…”

“I was telling him, actually. Of course, he doesn’t realize that the tyrant king in my story is a mouse or that you, his brother, were involved. Speaking of which I promised to finish the tale before the night is out.”

Clarence smiled gently. “Alright. I just hope you don’t feel obligated to spend time with him,” he blushed.

“Not at all. I realize you just want me to be comfortable, Clarence, and I do much appreciate it. But, I am fine,” Hans promised with a smile that made Clarence’s cheeks warm.

“Alright,” he mumbled in submission.

The two found Fritz nearby, recently finished his gorging on the table of sweets and goodies. “Can you finish the story now?” the sandy-haired youngster asked eagerly.

“Yes of course. Why don’t we go someplace more quiet?” Hans suggested.

Clarence felt his stomach do a leap of nervousness. He’d wanted to show Hans the sitting room with their tree and the doll cabinet together when the two of them were by themselves.

Luckily for him, he directed Fritz only to the other side of the room furthest away from the musicians who were playing a soft tune to coincide with the hum of conversation now.

Both Clarence and Fritz were enraptured by Hans’ storytelling ability. He didn’t flourish the story much or tell it with poetic language. But he could still hold attention which was what pulled both brothers into the story to see it through to the end.

After its conclusion, Clarence watched as Hans exchanged a bit of conversation with Fritz before the young boy was pulled away to have to play with the younger children again.

“Nutcracker— Hans, sorry. Um… I’d like to show you our Christmas tree a-and the doll cabinet.”

Hans’ face lit up in happiness and he gestured for Clarence to lead the way.

Clarence took a large breath before opening the doors admitting them inside. Fritz and the children must have closed them behind them when they’d left to play in other rooms. Hans’ bright eyes twinkled as they took in the room which he had never seen before in his current state. “It’s so lovely,” he proclaimed softly as Clarence struggled with the pounding of his heart in his ears as he watched Hans. “We shared much here, didn’t we? And the tree is even more splendid to view at this height!” Hans’ smile was fond as he looked over at Clarence and then briefly took his hand and gave it a squeeze. Clarence squeezed back and a moment later when they’d disconnected he gently tugged on Hans’ sleeve and brought him towards the toy cabinet feeling an overwhelming nervousness and excitement all at once.

“Let us both reunite with our friends again together,” Clarence whispered as he unlatched the cabinet doors and pulled them open so that the shelves were now in full view and no longer behind panes of glass.

Clarence reintroduced Hans to Trudy, then Pantaloon and finally Marie. Both young men spoke fondly to the dolls; thanking them and expressing their fondness for them.

“It is surreal,” Hans exhaled softly as he beheld the cabinet again before Clarence closed it, “So, so much was shared and now it is all over; time for our separate ways, separate lives.”

“Yes but we will always fondly have our memories to reconnect us with everyone.”

“Oh but of course. I shall never forget so long as I live,” Hans expressed warmly.

‘Neither shall I’ Clarence thought before voicing his thoughts.

The two rejoined the rest of the guests a short while later and participated in a few of the group dances. Emerging flush cheeked and breathing heavily, Hans and Clarence made their way for refreshment by means of festive Christmas punch.

They then were forced into conversation with a few of the other guests and though Clarence could find not much to say, Hans seemed to be able to navigate himself a bit better in responding to the rest of the group. The blonde found himself staring fondly at Hans and realized that had he been forced to remain The Prince of the Dolls that Hans would have managed quite well with the task. He smiled at the former Nutcracker and took a gentle sip of punch feeling affection and admiration for him.

The rest of the evening seemed to pass all too quickly and soon the party began to wind down a little as guests slowly began departing for home.

Clarence felt a pit of regret in his stomach at the realization; he didn’t want tonight to end and the feeling reminded him of the abruptness that the previous night had taken in pulling him away from The Land of the Dolls and the festivities there.

“Oh take heart Clarence,” Hans reassured when he had noticed the young man’s troubled expression and Clarence had quietly explained the reasoning, “Tonight may end but the future holds many more possibilities! The parties may end but the new year will bring new tidings and opportunities to spend time with those we love in good cheer.”

Clarence chuckled nervously. “And there you go again with your smooth and reassuring words in eloquence.”

Hans blushed. “I just try and speak the truth. I don’t realize how well-spoken it is.”

“It’s probably your time at court; made you adapt speech mannerisms that set you apart.”

“I doubt it,” Hans dismissed softly though he blushed knowing it may be true.

“May I come and see you and Uncle Drosselmeier tomorrow?”

“Certainly.” Hans was pleased by the idea.

“I’d love to learn more about your lives before and watch the two of you at work together if it shan’t be much trouble. I suspect shoppers to the store will be staggered throughout the day or all in the morning; the children with their Christmas monies.”

“Ah yes,” Hans agreed grinning. “I’m certain Uncle Frederich shall not mind your visit.”

“I-I forget you know him by a different name,” Clarence admitted when Hans saw his expression change in a little confusion at the difference, “Here we always call him Herr Drosselmeier or Uncle Drosselmeier and Ma-ma and Papa call him Christian.”

“Oh yes! I shall have to get used to the change,” Hans noted with easy agreement.

A short time later, both Drosselmeier and his nephew were in their coats and hats and prepared to go. The host and his family assembled to bid them farewell. Hans was a true gentleman as he went to each member of the family and thanked them individually for having him in their home. Were Louise not so recently with Jakob the entire evening Clarence suspected she would have been utterly charmed by Hans’ words, eyes and smile as he took her hand in farewell.

“You’ve been swell!” Fritz told Hans, “Thanks for the fantastic story!”

“Keep up your wonderful work with your troops, General. I look forward to hearing of your adventures again when I see you next!”

“Will do!” Fritz exclaimed happily.

Clarence tried to keep his farewell with Hans short and friendly even though he had so many unsaid exclamations he wished to make. “I hope you enjoyed yourself here tonight Hans. It was a pleasure to have you and I hope to see you once again soon; perhaps tomorrow when I visit Uncle’s shop.”

“I look forward to such a visit! You’ve been most kind hosting me and showing me around tonight Clarence. I shan’t forget such a warm welcome of kindness. I shall not forget my warm introduction to all of you,” Hans expressed as he stepped back from shaking Clarence’s hand (which he’d given a small squeeze of reassurance and thanks). “I’ve had a wonderful night to remember and to celebrate the upcoming new year ahead. If this is any indication, it shall be a wonderful, warm year with many new friends and experiences!”

“Thank you so much for coming! Consider this an invitation to join your uncle at all of our parties from now on!” Karl expressed jovially.

“Ve sank you, Karl,” Drosselmeier responded with pleasure.

“Goodnight!” Clarence called out as the two exited out into the snow.

Once on the path in front of the house, Hans turned and smiled and waved. “Goodnight Clarence!”

The warmth of his expression stayed with the youth long after the door of his house closed and he resumed the last of the evening’s festivities.

The next morning had an air of refreshing calm. The family shared breakfast speaking fondly of the previous evening’s festivities before they all departed for their own activities around the house as the last day before they’d travel out of town for their holiday stay until the new year.

Clarence got dressed in his coat and informed his family of his whereabouts for the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon. Then, putting on his boots, gloves and hat he made his way into town to Uncle Drosselmeier’s shop.

As a slow and steady stream of thick snowflakes fell Clarence smiled and recalled how prettily The Snowflakes had danced in The Land of the Dolls. He hummed to himself a remnant of the song he could remember being played at the time. How wondrous it had been that night. And although he would likely never visit The Land of the Dolls again Clarence had such wonderful memories that he knew he could manage being away just by having his experiences there close to his heart.

This warmth is what was making him smile as he reached to open the shop door and go in to spend much of his day with Hans and Uncle Drosselmeier who knew just how much it all meant to him.

Only, the door didn’t budge. Clarence tried again but no result. He took a step back and saw that his godfather had not flipped the sign in the window to read that they were OPEN. “Odd,” Clarence muttered, looking and finding the clock face built above the shop and seeing that the time wasn’t terribly early.

Clarence went to the side entrance to the building and tried the door and found it locked also. Shaking his head he went back to the front and tried again. “Uncle Drosselmeier!?” he called as he rapped his gloved knuckles on the wooden door. His green eyes went to the windowpane and shielding with his hands at the sides of his temples he gazed into the shop which had no appearance of activity. “Uncle!?” He knocked on the door again and a moment later he heard the latch click.

Clarence entered and closed the door behind him but did not see his Uncle or Hans in the shop. Removing his gloves and hat and placing them on the shop counter he moved towards the back room. “Uncle Drosselmeier? Hans? It’s me, Clarence!” he called out gently. He made his way across the workroom and around the stock and found entrance to Drosselmeier’s living space. The toymaker had a small kitchen that also served as a tiny sitting room on the first level and had his rooms above the shop. It was there in the kitchen that Clarence located his godfather seated sideways on a chair at the table, eyepatch flipped up, face in his hands and slumped over with his elbows resting against his legs.

Clarence paused in momentary surprise. “U-Uncle?”

The elderly man took an inhale of breath, his entire body seeming to move with the action, before he spoke from beneath his hands, “Clarence—” Slowly, but surely, he moved to sit up and carefully put his eyepatch back into place meanwhile. His breaths were ragged and he took another second or so to inhale deeply again and steady himself.

“Uncle is everything alright? Why don’t you have the shop opened? Oh, I hope it’s not because of me and our family keeping you from your work with all of our parties and with...with the battle against The Mouse King—” he lamented, “You aren’t behind, are you? I thought certainly that you’d be opened today what with everyone receiving their Christmas monies and everything and…” Clarence took a breath, realizing he was rambling on.

Drosselmeier shook his head. “It iz not zat,” he dismissed.

“Oh then have I come too early? I’m sorry, I— Well I thought—”

His godfather shook his head again to dismiss Clarence’s thoughts.

The two were silent for a moment between them. “Where is Hans? I didn’t see him in the shop or the workroom. Is he upstairs?”

“Y-yes,” Drosselmeier answered.

“Can I help you prepare some tea for when he comes down? Or, if you both need more time to get ready to open the store I can come back,” the teen offered.

“No, no,” Drosselmeier shook his head, “I...I must tell you somezink Clarence.”

His godson waited quietly for him to go on.

“Hans… Hans my dear boy he...he’s...he’s gone.”

“Gone?” the boy repeated, “Wh-what do you mean? Where’d he go?” Clarence’s godfather paused and the young man tried to guess, “Gone out for a walk? Out to the shops?” Drosselmeier shook his head. “Oh, well...when will he be back?” Clarence asked.

“Lasht night...he… Clarence he’z not comink back.”

The chilly air around them held a weight suddenly. Clarence took a moment to process before he felt his chest constrict a little. “Is… Did he leave because of me? Did I… did I frighten him? Make him uncomfortable by being so...familiar?” The growing heartbreak was evident in the young man’s tone, “I-I didn’t mean to. Where did he go? I… I wish to tell him I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make him uncomfortable or frighten him away. I-I can hold myself back; I promise.”

Drosselmeier’s expression held sadness and pity. “No, no Clarence. You vere fine. Hans…zere vas much loff in his heart for you. But… he iz gone to God now.”

“What?” Clarence felt himself stop breathing. “N-no… No,” he denied shakily after several seconds passed on between them. “Uncle this isn’t… This is cruel. I-if he does not wish to see me again or if...if he had to go away for whatever reason then I just… Please be honest with me: I promise I can take the truth no matter how harsh. But...but don’t...don’t do this; don’t… don’t say this it’s not right. If he left this town and he’s not coming back then just tell me the truth,” Clarence begged desperately as he stepped forward towards his godfather. “If he went back to-to The Land of the Dolls or if he departed elsewhere then just tell me the truth,” he repeated as Clarence felt himself start to tremble.

“I vood not do such a zing to you. My dear boy Clarence… Hans iz vis God now.”

“No! I don’t believe you!” Clarence proclaimed immediately.

“Clarence. Please. Lascht night Hans… hiz heart...it schtopped az he schlept.”

“No,” Clarence muttered, not wanting to hear another word.

But Drosselemeier went on, “Ze magik...it finally all left him. I did not sink zat for all ov zeez years I haf kept myschelf safe under magik nefer aging much. Now zat za schpell ofer him vas broken ze decades zat passed kood touch him again. When ze lascht of ze magik dischappeared he… his heart kood not take such hardship. I...I vas a fool not to sink— And my poor boy…” Drosselmeier’s voice cracked with emotion, his eye filled to the brim with tears that threatened to spill over.

“I—” Clarence trembled with the news, “I don’t believe you! That can’t be right!” he argued anxiously. “Where is he?” Clarence burst forward to attempt to ascend the steps but his godfather held him firmly to stop him. “L-let me see him! It can’t be true! How do you know that? It can’t be true!” he cried, tears now spilling over onto his cheeks.

“It must haf taken vone full day for ze magik to completely leef him. By za time I came to vake him zis morning I...vas too late,” Drosselmeier lamented as fresh tears stained his cheek now too.

“No,” Clarence sobbed, “Let me by! Let me see him!” He pulled out of his godfather’s embrace and ran up the staircase, his stomach in a pit and his heart pounding loudly in his ears. It wasn’t true. It couldn’t be true.

Through his tears, he found Hans’ chamber and was frozen to the spot when he reached the doorframe and saw his beloved’s figure lying in the bed. Clarence hitched a breath and wiped his tears hastily from his eyes on his sleeves before he burst forward to stop and stand trembling beside the bed.

There, he saw Hans lying peacefully, his hands laid separately atop the coverlet neatly one above the other and his expression soft and gentle as though in a blissful, gentle dream.

Clarence’s trembling hand was hovering above Hans’ for just a second or so as he took in the peaceful way Hans appeared before allowing himself to touch his beloved’s hand and withdraw it with a choked cry as he felt the cool touch beneath his own.

As though pushed Clarence staggered back a step and felt his entire body shaking. Loss and grief slowly flowed through him like ice cold water washing up on the shore. He looked at Hans’ peaceful, pale face and forgot to breathe —soon gasping for short, hitched breaths before he collapsed slowly to his knees supported only by the side of the bed as he kept himself upright enough not to take his gaze away from Hans’ face.

Only moments later when a finality seemed to be within him, Clarence’s left hand came to rest atop Hans’ again and he sobbed openly as the fingers on his right hand carefully stroked a lock of Hans’ dark hair back into place all the while trembling with the disbelief that Hans had left them.

Uncle Drosselmeier had followed and he now stood in the doorway watching the scene, heartbroken.

Clarence leaned over and gently kissed Hans’ forehead. As he pulled away he gazed down at the peaceful face and only a moment or so later his hand gently framed Hans’ cheek. One shaky breath later, Clarence began to sob openly for his loss.

Uncle Drosselemeier wept quietly on his own nearby. It was hard enough on him to lose Hans but his pain was worsened by seeing Clarence’s grief so openly in front of him.

“Bring him back,” Clarence suddenly begged, choking back his sobs. “Please, bring him back.” It was unclear who he was petitioning to. “Please, come back,” he whispered to Hans.

Finally, he turned to his godfather while still clasping Hans’ hand in his: “Godfather, please. He can’t be gone!”

The old man tried to reply but words failed him.

“I! I-I will save him!” Clarence suddenly proclaimed, green eyes widened and still shining with tears. He turned back and pulled himself up onto the side of the bed to sit more comfortably as he faced Hans once more. He gently caressed Hans’ hair again and then cheek trying to smile with his hope. “Please, come back,” he whispered again, “You can’t leave us. Please, Hans…” Clarence leaned down and pressed his lips to his love’s and held the kiss for a few moments as he felt a surge of love and hope going through him. Then, pulling back he watched for any changes to prove that his action had worked. “Come back to us. Come back to me,” he begged softly with a gentle smile a short time later and kissed Hans’ forehead again.

With each tick of the clock in the corridor, Clarence’s hope diminished like small grains of sand passing down through an hourglass. Hans was not magically waking up. He was not returning as Clarence had so desperately begged for.

“Wh-why isn’t it working?” he sobbed. He turned to their uncle in despair. “Why? Why won’t he wake?”

Drosselmeier gently shook his head in grief. “Zis iz not… it iz not a fairytale, Clarence.”

“And why not? Why?” he defended as tears streamed down his face. “All my life you’ve filled my head with them! And I lived one at last! Why? Why now is this different? Why shouldn’t I be able to change the ending to my own story!?” 

He turned back to Hans with a renewed desperation. “Hans please! Please don’t leave me! I love you and you love me! We are the same souls you and I you said it so yourself! Stay with me. Stay here with me! I’ll do anything I’ll give up my dancing, I’ll… I’ll stay with you always!” he bargained, “Please just… Don’t leave! Please!” Clarence’s last pleading request came out in a whisper as he felt his tightened chest and his trembling began to return. Somewhere in his heart he knew it was no good but he couldn’t give up so easily.

“P-please! I didn’t mean to leave you that night! I didn’t want to abandon you! I didn’t mean to be so completely selfish! But I want to now,” he exhaled, “I want to ask selfishly that you come back and I will never again think of myself! My path is you; I want you in my life and I don’t care if I never travel the world if I still have you here! God, please!” Clarence begged now sobbing in renewal. He collapsed against Hans and embraced him; Clarence’s hand gently framing Hans’ neck as he rested his forehead beside Hans’ head on the pillow and pressed his face on Hans’ shoulder. His left arm collapsed atop the coverlet; his hand in a fist and his entire body shaking.

But it did not bring Hans back to him.

“Uncle Drosselmeier! Please, your magic!” he tried as he sat up once he’d spent some of his grief in sobs against Hans’ shoulder, “Use your magic! Bring him back! Save him!”

“I cannot.” The words hurt to say.

“You can!” Clarence argued in desperation. “You must at least try! You love him too I know you do! You love him as deeply as anything in this entire world; you’ve been by his side through so, so much and never lost hope! You must try and save him!”

Drosselmeier’s head slowly shook back and forth. “I haf tried. Magik cannot conquer death. He iz wis God now.”

“No!” Clarence sobbed in a whisper. His body shook as he cried silently and turned back to Hans again. His right hand came to rest at the top of his beloved’s head as his left cradled Hans’ cheek that no longer wore its charming, lively colour as it had only last night. Only last night.

Eventually Clarence sunk down again and his forehead rested against the nightgown covering Hans’ chest as he cried and cried as the feeling of a hole inside of Clarence felt as though it were pulling wider and wider into a void that would never be filled. He would have to live with this emptiness for the rest of his life.

Some time later, he felt his uncle’s hand rest consolingly on his back and Clarence knew that they would both have to live with this pain and would perhaps only have one another for true support for both had loved Hans most and were left behind without him.

Clarence moved his head sideways to face Hans though the grief-stricken youth had his eyes squeezed shut. His left arm moved to curve around Hans as best it could and he pulled Hans just a bit closer in an embrace as Clarence cried quietly just a bit longer.

When he opened his eyes, Clarence tried to breathe and found strength a moment later to sit up again though it meant that his embrace with Hans was over. His right hand still perched at the top of the pillow resting in Hans’ dark hair had been stroking with his thumb and his fingers gently moving tenderly as though simultaneously trying to pull Hans closer while performing a soothing, affectionate gesture. His fingers slowly stilled as Clarence stared at Hans’ peaceful face and he subconsciously slowed his breathing a little as he calmed down accepting this peacefulness as some heavenly sign of comfort to him.

Finally, Clarence took one long and deep breath and after he’d let it out slowly he clasped one of Hans’ hands again and moved forward to press a tender kiss. ‘You will always be a part of me; a part of my heart,’ he told Hans silently.

Clarence’s family stalled their trip out of town to attend Hans’ funeral which Drosselmeier held the next day. It was a small affair as so few knew Hans and those who had shown up had done so for Drosselmeier’s benefit having heard of his tragedy.

Clarence managed to keep himself composed for most of the day minus a few moments where suddenly his fear and loss hit him hard again and he struggled not to collapse in sobs again. Were it not for his family, who couldn’t possibly understand why this death had affected him so deeply, he might have given into his overwhelming moments of grief.

Hans was buried wearing his blue frock but Drosselemeier had also given trousers to match and Hans looked so refined as though a prince and not an apprentice were being laid to rest. Clarence slipped a pair of his own dance slippers in with Hans and when he had another moment that followed of complete privacy kissed Hans’ hand in silent honor and farewell.

In the years following, Clarence did his best to manage his grief over the loss of something that had given him such happiness and hope. Each Christmastime brought fresh memories to grieve over and Clarence was often quiet and slightly melancholy each Christmas season. His family, unable to understand of course, decided that Clarence’s fall had resulted in a head injury that had changed his disposition for the rest of his life. At Christmas they shallowly understood that Clarence was sad for his godfather’s loss and the tragedy of someone his own age to have died so young in that season and the memories of all of that experience to have brought on his reflective moods.

The years passed and Clarence was grateful that his godfather had laid Hans to rest in their town to enable them both to visit him any time they so desired. When Drosselmeier passed, he was placed beside his nephew and every Christmas that Clarence was able he’d return to place a wreath on each grave and visit the two who had meant so much to him and had helped make him who he was.

Clarence did indeed join The Grand Ballet and eventually became a principal dancer. He received much success and fulfilled many of his dreams as he saw the world and danced to his heart’s content for most of the rest of his life.

But behind the happiness was a carried grief of a loss he’d taken at such a young age. Once in his middle-age, Clarence suffered a terrible fever and raved on about dancing snowflakes and nutcrackers and mice under the Christmas tree. Once he was well, he dismissed it as fever dreams but there was a sad expression in his eyes as he turned away.

He of course never forgot his beloved, Hans —even long after his memories of his childhood, his visit to The Land of the Dolls and even memories of his family faded away in the last year or two of his life.

Clarence’s last request was found written on a piece of paper in his hand. He was therefore buried with a small nutcracker doll, hand-painted by Clarence himself with a red frock coat, dark hair circled by a wooden crown and bright, expressive blue eyes.