Epilogue: Outrage

For a few days, nothing special happen after Hans's confession and subsequently Annie's own; it almost felt like the whole confession did not happen. Although, something DID change in regard to their relationship; a small change in demeanor from both party. For instance, when Annie is scolded by Pepe for some mistakes in her cauldron, Hans would gently sooth Annie's nerve by patting her head and smile softly at her. This in turn make Annie blush and Pepe exasperated, he did not need a lovesick student who daydream all day as he blatantly told the pair.

Of course Annie prove Pepe wrong by being more enthusiastic than before, thus making Pepe curb his complains. If Hans's presence did not make Annie lose focus, then he was fine with it. The same could not be said to the others as they ruthlessly try to pry into the event when Annie cries so openly. Hans and Annie have managed to avoid interrogation up until now. However it seems like their luck is about to run out.

"Annie-nee-sama, do you have free time now?" Fritz asked walking through the door to the workshop. She spared a glance in Pepes' direction, gaining a minuscule nod of head before Pepe returned to the book he holds in his hand.

"She will be free after she finishes this mixture." Annie groaned in protest as she trudged towards the cauldron. "Don't dawdle around. If you want free time, finish everything first!" Pepe ordered looking at the balance sheet of the shop.

"You're cruel Pepe…" Annie moans in misery. Pepe flatly ignore Annie's whining as he peruses the documents intently, deciding what to do to increase their revenue. I won't even have to do this if Annie thought to ask for some monetary reward…stupid girl…Pepe thought with fondness in it though laced with some annoyance.

"Annie one-sama! Are you still not finished?" Fritz whines after half an hour has passed. Annie sigh for the numerous time now, and reply soon in a weak tone. I wish Hans is here…but he got work to do today… Annie thought miserably to herself but soldier on anyway lest she got hit by Pepe.

"I am going to be able to leave in five minutes, Fritz. The mixture can be left alone after this so be patient for a little more?" Annie begs Fritz even as she focuses on her task. Fritz grumbles in discontent but agrees nonetheless.

"Now, what is the matter?" Annie asks, turning concerned eyes toward Fritz when her task is done. Fritz does not say anything except for Annie to follow her and Annie being her naïve self just nod in agreement, not bothering to be more suspicious…after all what could happen?

Well…apparently a lot can happen. Annie thought in fear. Fear of what exactly? It is not like Fritz guide her to a nest of monster ready to feast on her body. Well…in front of her stand her closest friends, all grinning with glinting eyes that feels evil and mischievous to Annie. Thus, making her gulp in fear and preparation to flee or give prayer to deities.

"Now, Annie…Hans is hard in work right now…so, he won't disturb us at all…especially considering he also has his own inquisition coming his way…" Liesse trail off, now smirking with satisfaction at the well executed plan she created.

"Now…spill Annie! Why did you cry before seeing Hans? Is there something going on?" She continues seeing the rest is unwilling to speak out and just leave it all to her as the spoke person. I will have to get back at them for that. Liesse thought adding it to her to-do list. She won't let any slight against her goes. Any slight.

"Erm…eto" Annie stutter out not knowing what to answer or how to answer…it feels personal and privates to Hans and her. So, she can only stutter unintelligibly, trying to ward Liesse off.

Fortunately for Annie, Hans barge into the meeting place and drag Annie off before anyone can reacts.

"Annie, let's go." Hans exclaim, his eyes wild as he drag her outside the town, escaping from their pursuers. When both stop to take a breath, they are well away from the town, nearer to the Quarry than expected but still within Basin area. They look toward each other and throw their head back, laughing uproariously.

"I…never expected to have to run away from the town just because they are too nosy for their own good…" Hans gasp out as his laughter taper off alongside Annie who hum her agreement.

"Yeah…I still hear Liesse's shout ringing in my ears…"Annie say smiling as she lean on Hans, head on his shoulder. Hans just nod placing his head on top of Annie's.

"Well…shall we have our first date as a couple? What with our unexpected free time…" Hans trail off blushing though he still looks towards Annie without any hesitation. Annie just smiles giving an enthusiastic nod, grabbing Hans hand as she babble excitedly about their dates with Hans listening intently.

Both leaving the thought of what might happen when they return back to town along with Liesse's warning, what will happens will so they won't worry about it now. They have an impromptu date to go to after all.

"Get back here HANS, ANNIE! We're not finished with you two yet!" Liesse's shout a memory that will insert itself forcefully later but for now…who cares?

The End

A/N: I finally decide to add an epilogue…for the hell of it. So, review please? Even though I know that the fandom for this is not big at all…well I can still hope for some review, can I?

WinterSolaceDream