Julius' POV
Alice began to cry. The sight was too much to bear. The sound of her sobbing breaths and now hiccups made my clock ache. Without a word, I grabbed her wrist, drew her into a tight, comforting hug. "I never intended to upset you... I'm sorry." I murmured. "Please... please stop crying. I don't know what to do when you cry." I pulled her in as close as I could, felt her slender arms wrap gently around my ribs. I nestled my head on her shoulder, felt her heartbeat slowing down. That's a good thing, right? Hearts beat slowly when calm, right?
I couldn't hear her crying anymore. But I didn't want to let go. Something about the warmth I felt, hugging her delicate frame, felt right. For the first time since I took on the Role of Clockmaker, I felt happiness. "If you want to stay, you're more than welcome," I murmured. "I only brought up the subject because I care about your safety. You can't be happy if you're not safe."
"You... don't really know what happiness is, do you?" Alice asked, moving to look me in the eye. I couldn't lie to her. Not after she'd shown me such unwarranted kindness. I simply shook my head. "All I know is that when I hear your voice, when you make coffee for me, when I hold you like this, I feel better than I have in a very long time." I said softly. I didn't know how to voice this strange, wonderful feeling I felt inside, but it was something I only felt when she was near. Without thinking, I let my lips brush softly against hers. When I felt her kiss back, I could barely restrain myself. But I could see how tired Alice was. She must have worn herself out at the Amusement Park. "Go get some rest, Alice," I said gently. "You look like you're about to fall asleep where you stand."
I let her go, but just before she left the room, I heard her say something. Her voice was soft, but it sounded like, "I love you, too, Julius."
I love her. I hope someday soon, I can say it out loud.