It was night in Wonderland, and winter at the Clover Tower. The snow silently fell to the ground, only the sound of small parts clinking together could be heard.
Alice's elbow rested on the table, her left hand supporting her head. She watched Julius as he worked, never turning her gaze away.
"… Aren't you bored?" Julius spoke, breaking the silence.
"Not at all," Alice said, smiling. "Am I bothering you?"
"You come here so often I've become used to it."
"That's because I wanted to see you, Julius."
Julius stopped moving his hands. He turned away, his face reddening slightly.
"… After all, you really are strange. Do whatever you want," he recovered, and went back to work instantly.
Alice let out a small laugh, and rested her head on the table. It was late, and she was feeling tired. But she didn't want to sleep yet, she wanted to stay up with Julius. She fought back, but her eyes closed, and she drifted off to sleep.
Julius continued to focus on his work. The movement of his hands slowed, and eventually, came to a stop. His eyes turned to Alice, who was now asleep.
Gently breathing, lips slightly parted. Was she dreaming? If so, what was she dreaming of?
The thought of Nightmare came to Julius's mind. The incubus that controlled dreams, and could see the hearts of people. All of a sudden, Julius was tempted to wake Alice up. He couldn't bring himself to do it though, she looked so peaceful, and she needed her rest.
At last, Julius let out a sigh. He folded his glasses and set them on the table, next to the clock that he was fixing. Carefully, making sure not to make too much noise, Julius pushed his chair back, and got up.
Julius lifted Alice up, and carried her over to his bed. He laid her down, and covered her, so she wouldn't catch a cold later.
She was strong. Yet, so very delicate at the same time.
"Good night," Julius whispered, smiling. He bent down, and kissed Alice lightly on the lips.
As Julius walked away to finish his work for the night, Alice smiled to herself.