A Week in Wonderland, Ch. 2
by wingsinheaven5
A/N: Thanks so much for all the great reviews and faves, everyone! Apparently, I'm not the only one who believe in this pairing so strongly! (Alice and Hatter forever!) I wanted to make sure you knew I was still going to continue with this, and so here's the next chapter. I initially wanted to spend more time on this and make it longer, but I thought I'd just get it out there first. What do you think? Should I upload shorter chapters sooner, or longer chapters later? Let me know!
"So she's staying?"
Alice and the Hatter reluctantly parted, and it was only then did she remember that they were not alone. She scanned the crowd, and noticed everyone eyeing her, waiting for her to speak. Mallymkun stepped forward, and spoke in her high pitched voice.
"Are you staying, Alice?"
Alice smiled. "Yes. But only for a little while. I really should be getting back."
"How long is a while?" Tweedledee scratched his head.
Alice turned to Hatter, whose expression was that of great curiosity. His brows arched, his lips pursed, and he regarded her with baited breath. He wanted to know, too. How long would Alice be staying, since she decided she wasn't going to stay forever? How much time did he have with her? Any time was better than none, but still. How much longer did he have with his Alice? Wait, his Alice?
Alice turned towards the crowd once more. "A week."
No one really seemed to know what to say to this. Should they be happy? Should they be sad? After a few moments of utmost uncomfortable silence, Hatter stepped forward with open arms.
"All the more reason to cherish these next seven days! Let us focus on making Alice feel right at home, and celebrate our new hero!" Hatter raised Alice's arm. He had quite a way with words; the crowd burst into cheers. Next thing you knew it, they were engulfing Alice in bone crushing hugs, giving her congratulatory pats on the back, and exclaiming such things as "Well done, Alice!" or "Way to go, Alice!" It was all happening so fast; Alice's head was spinning.
"Now then," the White Queen began, gracefully walking – no, gliding – forward. Her voice had a way of being both angelic and resounding at the same time. The crowd quieted down automatically. "In order to celebrate our champion, everyone is invited to my castle tomorrow for a night of revelry and merriment. You can offer your words of gratitude to our great hero then, as I am sure she is exhausted, and would like to get some rest now." At that same moment, Alice yawned. She hadn't noticed before, but she was quite tired. But what should one expect after slaying a monstrous beast? The White Queen turned to Alice just in time to see this, and smiled. "The festivities will commence at 8 o'clock. I hope to see you all there, and with that my friends, I bid thee goodnight."
The crowd applauded and cheered, and then started to dissipate. At this time, the White Queen turned her full attention on Alice. "Now, my dear, I thank you dearly for all you have done for us. For me. But I must ask: where do you plan on staying tonight?"
"Oh." Alice hadn't thought about that. Where was she going to stay? She opened her mouth to speak. "I, erm… I'm—"
"Staying with me!" Hatter placed one hand at the small of Alice's back; this went unnoticed to Alice, however, since she was still encased in armor.
The White Queen grinned, and nodded her head. "Very well. I'll see you tomorrow night then." And with that, the White Queen mounted her steed and was off.
It was suddenly very quiet, and Alice wasn't sure what to do. Hatter noticed her uneasiness, and with his hand still at her back, he faced her.
"If you like, you could stay with the White Queen. I'm sure her place is much grander and nicer, and, albeit probably not very colorful. White is a very drab color, if you ask me, but—"
"No," Alice said a bit too quickly. "It's alright. I'd love to stay with you!" Alice grinned, as did Hatter.
"Splendid! Shall we get to it then?" Hatter offered Alice his arm, and she happily hooked her arm in his. "My home is this way."
