"Poppy?" Alistair Wonderland stared at the young girl in shock. The normally shy and sweet girl was slumped over at the bar with several cups scattered around her. No alcohol, of course, mostly highly caffeinated beverages that she can't have. Thanks to the time of her 13th birthday… But that's a different story. Her usually beautiful purple hair was beyond messy and her make-up was horrendous. She looked sad, empty and like she had been crying for days. Her eyes were red and puffy and she barely raised her head out of her arms at his voice. "Poppy, my god, are you…. Ok?"
A single empty, emotionless word left her lips, "No…." she mumbled. She let her head fall back into her arms. Alistair was disappointed, she was drowning herself in caffeine on one of the greatest days of their high school lives. It was Thronecoming for crying out loud! Alistair pulled out the stool nest to her and prodded at her side, coaxing a giggle to leave her lips. A real smile graced her lips for a brief moment. It was a sight that anyone would love to behold. But just as soon as it came it was gone. She sighed and slowly placed her head in her arms. Opening his mouth to say something, he was cut off but a devilish giggle.
"Hey, Ali!" Lizzie Hearts flirtatiously chimed, "What are you doing here? Let's dance!" Grabbing at his hands she attempted to pull him to his feet.
"Well, I uh…" He glanced one more time back at Poppy.
She turned her head and whispered to him, "Just go." Her eyes betrayed her and showed how broken she really was. How much she was hurt. Tearing his hands away from Lizzie's, he grabbed Poppy's quickly. An audible gasp was heard, but Alistair was unsure of who it came from. He kept his eyes trained on Poppy, who stared down at her gloved hand within his own.
He spoke softly; causing her head to be brought up to meet his eyes. "Perhaps you'd like to dance with me instead?" A huff came from Lizzie and she stomped off with a glare. Giving a nod to Melody and Sparrow behind the DJ set, they began playing a slower love song. They sang softly and sweetly while Alistair pulled Poppy to the dance floor. Wrapping his arms loosely around her waist, they swayed to the music, her hesitantly placing her arms around her neck. She glanced around seeing who was watching. An angry glare from Kitty and Lizzie and some surprised looks from others. Cupid gave her a huge thumbs up and a massive smile. Maddie gave a small shrug at her and smile approvingly. Holly looked beyond shocked and stared as she sister danced with the prince of Wonderland. Poppy dipped her head in embarrassment so Alistair lifted it with a few fingers. Making her eyes meet his own. Soft blue orbs gazed into her own chocolate brown ones. Love shone through without a doubt.
"Why?" Poppy whispered under her breath. She honestly wanted to know. She didn't understand at all why he would choose her over the others. She was a mess; why would he want her?
Alistair laughed quietly under his breath, "You're beyond amazing, Poppy, why wouldn't I want to be with you?" He looked at her with kind, loving eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. "I know that we've had our ups and downs but I've never stopped loving you."
Poppy gasped at these words and looked at him with wide, shocked eyes. "Me?" was all that could come out, and even that in a horse whisper.
A huge grin broke out over Alistair's face, "Yes! You and only you." He pulled her close to him and placed a gentle hand on the back of her neck. Poppy smiled and tilted her head lightly to the right and closed the space between them. The world melted around them as they kissed. Her fingers twisting into his hair and she pulled him closer to her. Alistair's hands molded into her lower back and he responded just as enthusiastically. Poppy could swear she heard a certain princess yell, "Off with her head!" But, then again, she may have just been imagining things.
Pulling back she felt her cheeks flush red. Everyone was staring at them and she could faintly hear the last note of the love song still echoing in the near silent hall. As quickly as the silence started, it ended. Thousands of cheers broke out among the crowds of people. Holly grabbed her sister from Alistair's arms and hugged her tightly. Alistair was given so many pats on the back and congratulations by the other princes and he didn't know how to react. He did do one more surprising little thing.
Reaching back through the crowd, he grabbed Poppy's hand once more. Turning her to face him he leaned forward and whispered into her ear a single question, "Will you be my girlfriend?"
She smiled in response and he knew that it was a yes. Instead of answering, she did the next best thing. She kissed him.