Author's Note: After shopping for two days and trying to get ready for Christmas, I finally found the time to write chapter two. Sorry for the delay, but I don't think three days would be that bad of a break. If it was, you are free to hit me in the face.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or the world of Underland/Wonderland. I only share these ideas with other Halice fans that wish the final script still contained the kiss and Alice had stayed.
'Well, I don't think staying just a little longer would hurt all that much.'
Alice pocketed the flask of purple liquid, a smile creeping slowly to her face.
Her decision received a cheer from her friends of Underland and a wide Hatter smile.
"This will be your room for the time you are here" Mirana said as she opened the white, grand french doors and stepped into the room.
Alice entered behind her, looking around the beautiful room that was much bigger then the one she had been staying in for the couple nights now before the battle. There was a huge four post bed, in crisp, clean white bedding and draped in a cream fabric and white roses between the four posts.
A white oak dresser hutch sat opposite the bed. Along with a sitting area placed near the balcony.
Mirana walked over and opened the curtains, displaying the shining sun. Alice covered her eyes immediately, adjusting to the light quickly.
"I wanted to give you a bigger room then the one you were staying in in the East wing. This is also farther from my throne room and you'll be able to have more peace." Mirana said as she turned to Alice with a smile.
"Thank you, it is very beautiful. I hope me staying is not too much trouble." Alice stated in a worried tone. She had not thought about what her staying might interfere with. Parties, duties, holidays, and even vacations.
Mirana smiled at her and shook her head softly. "Not at all Alice. You have helped Underland so much, we wouldn't think twice about allowing you to stay here with us." She put her hand on Alice's shoulder and look at her reassuringly and then headed towards the door. "My tailors will be on their way to make you some clothes for your stay. If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask." the doors closed behind her and Alice was then alone for the first time since she had woken up this morning. Before she had officially become the champion of Underland, before she had done the deed and be headed the Jabberwocky.
Alice sighed as she looked around her new room. She would be calling this place home for a short while until she found the need to return to her world. She walked out to the balcony that overlooked the whole kingdom. Leaning against the railing, she closed her eyes and let the wind hit her face. Letting herself go into a trance-like state, she almost had not heard the soft knock at her door. Her eyes shot open and she turned toward the sound. "Come in" Alice said loud enough for the guest to hear.
The door slowly opened to reveal a sort of bear-human creature dressed in perfectly tailored pants, a lovely waistcoat, and topped off in a fetching hat. "Miss Alice, I am Barnaby, the White Queen's tailor. I was called upon to make you some clothes for the time you will be staying." the bear-man said as he took off his hat, looking rather nervous.
"Oh yes, come in, please. It feels rather odd to wear the same dress over and over again." Alice said as she walked towards Barnaby. She smiled at him, hoping it would calm his nerves a bit. "That is a lovely hat you have. Did the Hatter make it for you?"
"Oh, yes, Tarrant made me this as a birthday present some time ago. I always have to wear it, it's my favorite piece of clothing I've ever owned." Barnaby stated with a sigh, letting most of his body relax. He placed his hat on the ottoman that sat at the end of the four post bed. He then pulled out his measuring tape. "Now, if you don't mind, Champion of Underland, please hold your arms out straight to your side so I can take your proper measurements."
Alice settled into the castle nicely and was visited by her Underland friends often, Hatter became a regular guest. Many times he would stay so long that he would occupy the guest room just down the hall from Alice's suite.
One morning, as the Hatter was just finishing getting ready, he heard a knock at the door. Swiftly putting his hat on and heading towards the entryway, his delicate fingers curled around the knob and opened the solid wood to display the smiling face of Alice Kingsley. Hatter's stomach danced then dropped, something so unique to Hatter that at first he did not mirror her expression, only looked worried.
Alice's face fell, "Hatter...are you alright? Have I come at a bad time?" she asked, sounding slightly disappointed.
Tarrant shook his head and soon returned her smile. "Oh, so sorry. I was reminded of something I shouldn't have thought of just then, and that was long before you came back. But you are here and that is ever so great! But, then again, I shouldn't be thinking of those things because you're here now and have stopped all the bad-"
"Hatter!" Alice interrupted him with a slight laugh.
"...I'm fine. So sorry Alice, I don't know what has come over me." Tarrant apologized with green eyes ever so wide.
Alice simply smiled back at him for a short time. "Oh, yes, almost forgot why I stopped by your room. I noticed it was lovely out today and was wondering if a tea party might be in order." she asked hopefully.
"Dear Alice, sunshine, rain, snow, or sleet, any day can be a tea party day" the Hatter stated, offering his arm to her. She gladly accepted it. Tarrant closed his bedroom door behind him with a soft click.
They walked out of the castle, towards Tarrant's crazy tea table and, now, practically unused home. They go in silence, although it is far from uncomfortable, just simply enjoying ones company.
Slowly but surely, their linked arms start to drop, however, they find their fingers begin to intertwine and Tarrant's thumb slowly starts to gently stroke the top of Alice's hand, much without his acknowledgment. If a passerby had seen them, they would just assume they are two lovers enjoying a charming, sunny day with a stroll.
Alice began to blush at the new and wonderful feeling in the pit of her stomach where butterflies began to dance a fluttering waltz.
A/N: Yes, going along very nicely. The story should be over in the next coming chapter. Surely lets all hope that Alice doesn't get cold feet at this new found feeling and run away from the Hatter's gentle touches. If any of the characters are out of character at all, do NOT be afraid to tell me. I love reviews, whether they're good or bad. All are helpful into improving on how I write and who doesn't want to become a better writer?
I love to see the future me improve to be better then yesterday.
