*Disclaimer: I don't own Alice and Wonderland, nor any of the character*

Chapter 1

"You could stay," The Hatter suggested hopefully, giving Alice his best smile.

"What an idea. A crazy, mad, wonderful idea. But…" Alice started. The Hatter quickly reached out and caught Alice's arm.

"Please Alice. What is there for you in Aboveland that you cannot find here in Underland?" Hatter pleaded with the Right and Proper-sized Alice. Alice thought for a moment before smiling at her dearest friend.

"I'd have to be have mad to stay," Alice laughed, looping her arm with his.

"You would have to be have mad to go back." Together the Champion and her Hatter walked with the rest of the White Queen's subjects back to Mamoreal.

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Once the company had returned to Mamoreal, the preparations for the celebratory ball began. Mally and Thackery headed off to the kitchen to help with the feast, while the Hatter led Alice off to her new rooms to dress for the evening.

"I have created the most perfect gown for you, Alice. And the most glorious hat for your pretty head. It's a perfect head, a marvelous head, a right proper Alice head…"

"Hatter!" Alice shouted, taking his hand and giving him a gently smile.

"I'm fine…" Hatter replied, giving a tight smile.

"When did you have time for this?" She asked, running her fingers over the beautiful gown that hung in her new wardrobe.

"While you were still worrying over whether or not you could slay." Alice smile at her dear friend and as he gazed back at her a strange spark began to form in the air between them. The Hatter reached out and gently tucked a strand of his Alice's golden hair behind her ear. Alice in turn leaned into his touch, a soft blush beginning to cover her cheeks. "Aye, lass. Ye be the beauty of all Underland tonight."

"I-I should being getting ready…" Alice breathed, suddenly becoming aware of how close they were. Hatter, seeming to realize the same thing at the same moment, quickly moved his hand from her cheek. She instantly missed the warm of his calloused and bandaged fingers but it was not proper to ask him to return his hand.

"Quite right, dear Alice. I'll leave you to prepare yourself." And with that he turn away and walked out the door, leaving Alice to her lonesome.