Solo Para: Here Goes Everything
Since she currently couldn’t even trust her own eyes (thanks, Fern), Hannah finds herself walking into a salon at a reasonable hour, rolling her eyes at Hakon when he holds the door for her. A bit last minute, but she’d nailed an appointment.
Everyone in here knew who she was-- she didn’t have to question that, she knew they would. The broken princess of Corona had a bad reputation that always preceded her. But that’s not what this was about.
She was in the chair before she’d known it, Hakon pulling up a plastic chair to be closer to her and taking her hand. Her stylist was all smiles and so kind-- but she’d given pause when she saw what Hannah wanted. Of course. Everyone knew she hated her hair color. “Are you sure about this?”
“Absolutely.” Hannah had spoken with more conviction than she felt.
Reflexively, she squeezes Hakon’s hand, admittedly terrified. He looks at her, and she manages a small nod before things get started. She was sure. She’d never been more sure, actually.
As per usual, it was a very tedious process. Hakon talked with her, just to talk, to keep her mind off of things-- he reassured her that things were fine. She could proudly admit she didn’t break down during the process.
Finally, she was taken to the sink, to wash out the excess and take care of her hair. And it was blowdried, but she’d kept her eyes shut the moment the foils had come out. She wasn’t ready yet.
As it all finished, she felt Hakon’s hand on her shoulder. “Ready, Buttercup?”
She takes a few deep breaths. “Not really. But... here goes everything.”
She slowly opens her eyes, taking a look at her hair in the reflection. If she didn’t know any better, she’d say it looked like her natural color, actually. One hand automatically covers her mouth when she gasps quietly, taking it in.
In the back of her mind, Hannah could hear him. There you are, blondie. But she wouldn’t let it get to her. She breathes rapidly, and tries to bring herself under control, not looking away. She feels Hakon’s grip tighten slightly, and he turns her away from the mirror. “Hey, it’s okay, you’re okay, Buttercup...”
She tries to smile at him, but she just ends up crying, leaning forward and hugging him tightly. “I did it.”
He hugs her back, and rubs her back gently. “You did it.”
She was really blonde again. After all these years. She couldn’t help but look back in the mirror, and smile, just a bit, through her tears. Then, she gets up, and heads to pay for it.
No matter what else happened, she’d handled this. She didn’t completely break down. Princess Hannah Fitzherbert was finally on the right track, and she loved every second of it.