Sweet At First Glance | Twisted Wonderland X Reader

1: A 'Great' Day

The ache in your arms grew stronger as you rolled out the dough. The sweeping of the broom and the crackling of the fire burning away in the oven were just background noises as you could feel perspiration beading on your forehead. Bringing a hand away from the rolling pin, you wiped the back of your wrist across your forehead, removing the perspiration beginning to form, while also being careful not to get any of the dough on your face.

You couldn't help but glance over your shoulder, checking on the young girl your mother had working for her. She looked downcast, sweeping away any dust from the ground, and putting bones back onto the piles in the corners if any fell or dislodged. You couldn't help but feel a little pity for the younger girl, she looked to be about only eleven or twelve years old. From what you could remember, her name was Gretel while her younger brother's name was Hansel.

Sneaking a glance over your other shoulder, you caught a look at the boy locked in the cage. He seemed bored out of his mind, just fiddling with fraying threads from his clothing and softly squeezing his fingers to see how much weight he'd put on from the constant feedings the candy witch gave him.

Turning your attention back to the dough on the butterscotch counter, you resumed rolling it out, watching as little flecks of chocolate within it disappeared and then reappeared. Once you were short the dough had an even thickness all over, you grabbed a rectangular cutter before beginning to press it into the dough. Moving each cut-out rectangle onto the tray beside you, you continued to roll out the dough and cut out the shape until there was not enough dough left to make anymore. Picking up the tray, you carried it over to the large oven, supporting the tray with one hand, you opened the oven with the other, leaning into the heat inside it as you placed the tray down. Leaning back out you stepped back and closed the door, turning around to go to the sink and wash the dried dough off your hands. However, Gretel is standing straight behind you, clutching the broom so tight her knuckles are turning white.

"Iss zat vat vill happen to Hansel ven zee vitch zinkss he iss fat enough...?" The question catches you off guard, not having expected her to ask about that topic.

Crouching down a little so you'd be at eye level with Gretel, (which isn't too far as she's only a head shorter) you gently place your hand on her shoulder. You can't help but feel pity for her, no children should go through what they're going through, but you can't speak out to your mother.

"It is...but, hey, we're managing to prolong it since Rosina can't see properly," You try to comfort her, tucking a strand of loose hair behind her ear. You look away from her for a moment, sighing softly as you try to think of something else to say. You can't call the candy witch your mother, since the siblings seem to think you're a captive of hers, so using her real name works in its stead. Turning your eyes back to Gretel, you continue, "...but it won't be too much longer until she can't wait anymore."

Standing straight, you hurry over to the sink, washing the dried dough off your hands as a confused Gretel stays stood by the oven. You dry off your hands before going back to her, once again crouching down to her height. You flick your wrist, focusing on crafting the item of thin air. A few sparks fall from your fingertips before two small red candies appear, perfectly round and softly refracting any light that hits them.

"Here, eat one and give the other to your brother," You hold out the candies to Gretel, whom looks at you with wide eyes, clutching the broomstick tighter as she takes a step back.

"You are vorkink vith zee vitch!" She yells, rapidly backing away from you, and you can't help the rush of panic that floods through your body.