Chapter 2
He blamed the dream he had for years, even though Hatter couldn't quite put his finger on what exactly in the dream had made him so sure following Alice was the right thing to do. A few years later, however, he suddenly realised he had gone tired. Tired of feeling unworthy. It was a common feeling for him. Hidden, always. Hidden under his mask, but always there. A two faced coward as the others called him. Hatter pretended it never bothered him, though the truth is he knew it might get to him a little bit. He ignored it. Hatter was rather good at ignoring his heart.
Until Alice came into his life. And then it was loud and clear he wasn't worth it. Not her. Especially not her. Alice was just that sort of brave person and, despite infecting him with her need to protect others, which was the only explanation for how he had behaved since meeting her, she still deserved better than him. So he let her go.
Of course, he couldn't let her go before he knew she was safe. He was too found of her to do that. But when the Prince in Shining Armor came for her, he let go. Jack was more like what she deserved and exactly what she wanted. Normally, Hatter would have just turned his back on her. She didn't need him anymore, time to let go. The thing was he didn't really trust that guy, so he decided to stick around. Just to make sure she was alright. If he was sure she was alright he would let her be.
And, then, suddenly, when things were turning out OK, it was time to let go again. All was well and bright. Alice was going home. Safe. No more Jack issues, a closure to her father's disappearance. Nothing more to hold her to Wonderland. He got there to say goodbye. Couldn't, though. He saw her hugging Jack. His heart pumped with sudden anger. He hadn't got his hug, but that damned prince that had nearly gotten her killed had gotten one? Then, the anger was gone. She probably still loved him. And what the hell, he suddenly realised, was he doing here? Right. He should go home. A lot easier to let go of her from a safe distance. Hatter turned to leave. Couldn't, though, because she called his name.
Hatter didn't quite remember what he had said to her at that time. He was just blabbering away. Though the sound of her voice asking "Why? Do you want me to stay?" was very distinct. Yes. Yes, I want you to stay, he thought, but there is no reason for you to stay. There was just him in this land and she deserved better than this. She deserved a normal bloke back in her homeland. So he let her go.
When he went to sleep that night, something in his dream made him tired of letting go. Then, he woke up with the certainty that following Alice was the right thing and that it had to be done at that same instant. The revelation, however, only came years later. At the moment Hatter jumped through the looking glass all he was thinking was something along the lines of "Keep breathing" and "Why did I ever decided to put myself through this again?". We could probably add something as "Damned stupid dream" too.