Anything recognizable does not belong to me. I just like playing with other people's toys.
The Ring of Wonderland
Alice had the cup of tea in her hands, one of Hatter's mixes, warm, heady, and pleasurable. She sat, legs folded under her in comfy PJ shorts and a soft tank top. When she had woken that morning, she had an undeniable need for her man, only to roll over and find his side was empty. Huffing at having to wait, she got out of bed and found a note on the door handle.
"Ran out to the shops."
Another note sat on the bathroom sink. "Be back soon"
And one on the kettle, already full of water and ready to whistle. "Love you, beautiful."
Alice turned off the stove, poured her tea and waited. When Hatter finally opened the door to the apartment, he barely got to look her up and down, perched on the chair by the kitchen island before she gracefully unfolded her legs and stalked toward him.
"I missed you this morning."
Hatter immediately heard the purr of need in her voice. "Hmm. Did you now?" He asked into her lips, sliding his hands over her back.
Hatter held her close, still straddling him, skin to skin. Alice pressed her ear to his chest and listened to his heartbeat, gently slowing. Even though her hair was tangled and sweaty, she pressed a kiss to his naked chest. He was strangely silent as he caressed her hair and back. Alice raised her head and looked at him.
"What are you thinking Hatter?"
"That I love you so much." He answered finally pulling her back to lay on his chest. Minutes passed and his hand slipped off the edge of the bed to feel in the pocket of his jacket.
"Alice?" He asked, bringing his hand back onto the bed.
"Hmm?"
"Alice, may I ask you something very important?"
"What is it, Hatter?" She sat up, worried.
Giving her the most hopeful and loving smile he could, he pulled his hand around in front of her so she could see it. A small blue box sat in his powerful right hand. "Will you marry me?"
Before she could answer, he opened the box, showing the bright silver ring set with a perfectly round pearl nestled in the heart of a delicate flower. Tiny diamond chips ran down the band, shining brightly. Alice gasped at the ring and looked at Hatter.
"You really want to?"
He didn't trust himself to speak and just nodded.
"Yes!" She launched herself down on his chest and hugged him tightly. "Oh Hatter, Yes, I will."
All of the air was squeezed out of his lungs as he grinned, holding her close. He giggled when he got his breath back and flipped Alice over. They kissed passionately until they just rested their foreheads together comfortably. Hatter sat up and removed the ring from the box.
"May I?" He asked, reaching for her left hand.
Carefully he slipped the ring on and kissed it. Hatter kept his eyes locked on Alice's and kissed her palm and wrist before moving along her arm. He flicked his tongue on the inside of her elbow until she squealed with laughter and righted under him. Alice forced his mouth away from her elbow and tried to stop giggling.
"Hatter! Stop, I have to tell my mother."
Hatter stopped but he gave Alice the look of a sad puppy.
"I'll be back, I promise."
She kissed his nose and wriggled out from under him. Still grinning widely, despite the loss of her next to him, Hatter flopped on his back and looked at the ceiling. He was very much a happy man.