Requiem: You know, now that I think about it. I don't really have a set plan for this story; I just kind of make it up as I go along. Weird, huh?

Disclaimer: Still got nothing.

Chapter II

I held my breath, and wanted nothing more than to be able to shrink away. "You remembered me?" I asked quietly, my hands clenched together in front of me. He answered with a yes, and I mentally kicked myself. 'Of course he remembers me! He said my name just now!'

I slowly and carefully moved my head up, and instantly our eyes met each other's. I became lost in his deep eyes, they hid so many emotions, and they hid a part of Blood Dupre that not everyone would get the pleasure of knowing. "Blood…"

I said his name so quietly, and at the moment I wanted nothing more than to reach out and have his arms wrapped around me. However much my heart wanted me to, my mind would will me to stop. It had reminded me of that girl that latched onto his arm, that same girl that had kissed his cheek.

The sun was beginning to rise, and as I caught a glimpse of it, I was reminded of when I had first seen Blood. It felt like so long ago, I wondered if it was still real. Also, I wondered if Blood could even remember it.

It was silent after he appeared. They just watched each other. Bridget watched him with interest and familiarity, while he watched her with intrigue and curiosity. Nothing was said as the moments continued to pass, and before either knew it, the morning sun had set.

I stepped closer to him, slowly at first. I didn't know what to do in this kind of situation. What was one supposed to do in something like this anyway?

"Tell me your name." He asked of me suddenly. It was an out of the blue thing to say…he knew my name right? There's no way he could of just guessed it was Bridget, after all. So why did he ask? I opened my mouth to question him, and he cut me off. "Please, I want to hear your name."

My eyes became wide from the pleading his words held, as well as the sorrow I could see deep in his eyes. "Alright." I took another step towards him, and in this moment, it felt as if only he and I were there. "My name is Bridget Adell," I smiled softly at him. "And yours?"

"Blood Dupre." He answered, and extended his hand to me. I wanted to take it; I wanted to take his hand in mine so badly. As I reached out to him, an image of Roza flashed in my mind and caused my hand to flinch away from his and back to my side.

"I can't." I spoke softly, my head dropping and my bangs falling over my eyes. I could feel tears well up in my eyes and I blinked fast, trying to stop them from falling. "Blood, you already have someone. That girl, Roza, she loves you." I knew what I was saying was true, but that didn't make it hurt any less.

I could hear him leaving, and that fact alone was enough to make me cry. I felt like such a fool, that something so simple as this could make me cry. I fidgeted as arms wrapped around my shoulders and a purple/pink-ish tail wiped the tears on my face.

I turned myself in Boris' arms, burying my head into his chest. I mumbled many incoherent things, all my words seeming to just ramble together. Boris gratefully said nothing; he only patted my head and held me in his arms.

"All done." Ace suddenly said, and I peeked over Boris' shoulder and saw a ready-made tent. Ace turned to where Boris and I stood a soft smile on his face. He casually strode over and pried Boris' arms off of me. "Bridget, you should get some sleep." He spoke softly and then hoisted me up into his arms.

He seemed to like doing that a lot. "Ace, shouldn't Boris and Pierce stay with us?" I asked, wrapping my arms around his neck. The knight of hearts pouted, peering over at the two animals. "Isn't it dangerous at night? I wouldn't want them to get hurt." I told the knight, and before he could answer, he was pushed away and I fell into Boris' arms.

How could they just toss me around like a rag-doll? "The Amusement park isn't far away, Bridget." Boris told me, flashing his signature grin at me. I laughed nervously, watching from my periphery as Ace stood up. "We could take you there and-"

"Stupid cat!" Ace yelled out, drawing his sword and aiming it at Boris. Were they seriously going to fight at a time like this? The knight stood in a battle position, watching Boris' every move. I was surprised when Ace charged at the feline, especially since Boris still held me.

Boris dodged the move, jumping back with a smile on his face. "You're seriously going to attack me with Bridget in my arms like this?" He asked, extending his arms out with me still in them. "Won't you hurt our precious treasure, Ace?"

Ace said nothing back, he only charged forward. Boris dodged all of the knight's moves, and I held onto the cat for dear life. I had just about enough of this, and when Ace charged Boris again, I leapt out of the feline's arms, the sword grazing my arm, and pointedly kicked Ace in the knee.

It wasn't much but it got him to stop. I sighed, hands on hips as I scolded the knight for his reckless behavior. "Bridget!" Ace yelled out and suddenly took me into a tight embrace. I mumbled his name in confusion, and he only repeated a string of apologies.

"You're bleeding." Pierce said, his mouse-tail poking my arm. I looked down at my arm; a small cut the size of a toothpick on my skin. A small trickle of blood escaped and I was unsure of why Ace was making such a fuss over it.

I sighed and wriggled myself away from Ace. "Look, now's not the time for this. We'll all stay in Ace's tent tonight and move out tomorrow morning, and as for this," I motioned to my arm, indicating the small wound. "I just need something to cover it so it doesn't get infected."

The sound of ripping cloth filled the air, and Ace wrapped a part of his red coat around my arm. "There!" He smiled and kissed over the cloth. He turned his eyes to Boris and Pierce. "The animals can stay outside by the fire, Bridget and I will stay in the tent."

With that, Ace whisked me away. "Ace…" I rubbed at my temples, trying to quell my rising headache. I never imagined things would turn out like this if I ever did return to Wonderland. For a while, nothing was said as Ace prepared our beds. I did a double take, noticing only one bed.

Ace snuggled into the sheets and looked innocently at me. He patted the space next to him with a smile, and I sighed grudgingly. I guess I'd rather sleep embarrassingly like this, than on the floor. I crawled over to him, and snuggled into the sheets.

"I'll keep you safe Bridget." He mumbled into my hair, placing a soft kiss on my forehead. I felt as if my heart would burst from my chest, and I found myself snuggling into the knight's warmth. "My princess, Bridget." He continued, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me even closer into him.

"Ace, you shouldn't-" Before I could say anything else, he pulled back from me and lowered his face until we were at eye level. I stared into his eyes, my own shaking with nervousness. "Ace," And again I was cut off as he leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine.

It was such a sweet kiss, and whatever I was feeling at that moment seemed to double in size. I timidly pressed my hands on his chest, and kissed him back. I felt him smile under the intimate act, and he pushed forward, deepening the kiss.

We continued the act until we needed to break apart for air. When we did, I wanted nothing more than to go back. When Ace had kissed me, I couldn't even begin to explain the feelings that soared through my being.

"Bridget," Ace pulled me into him, just as we were before he had kissed me. He sounded tired however, and I had no doubt he was on the verge of sleep. "I love you." That said, Ace fell asleep and I did soon after.

When I woke up, I found myself being carried by a pair of strong arms. I looked up, meeting a mass of purple. "Boris?" I mumbled in a daze, yawning softly and snuggling against his boa. It felt even softer than a pillow!

"Ah, Bridget!" He smiled down at me, and I did my best to smile back at him, but I only yawned back at him instead. I heard him laugh, the sound comforting and warm. I asked Boris where we were going, and were Ace was. "Oh, I'm taking you to the Amusement Park, Ace said he had to go back to the castle and he'd come by later."

"Strange." I mumbled and sighed. I really didn't have the brainpower to be thinking about this right now. I just let Boris carry me all the way to the Amusement Park, which wasn't too far, as I rested against his boa.

When we arrived, Pierce greeted us. I felt his eyes on me, as Boris set me down and I could walk on my own again. Lately, it seems as if I'm being carried everywhere. "Does Bridget want to see the new rides?" Pierce asks me, his tail poking my cheek.

"New rides?" I ask, glancing over at the feline. He nods, explaining the new teacup ride, and several other rides they had just gotten. "A rollercoaster?" I repeat Boris' final words, and he nods with a smile. "Really?" I laugh, a bit nervously. I didn't say that I was deathly afraid of heights.

"That's right!" Mary Gowland suddenly jumps onto the scene, his signature violin ready to play. He smiles down at me and pats my head. "We've missed you Bridget. I think I should play a wonderful tune for your return!"

"What? How did you even know I was…?" I was so confused. I reel back however, as Gowland sets up and begins to play. The screeching sound of his playing seems to completely break my eardrums. I keep yelling at him to stop, but I'm pretty sure he can't hear me over his playing.

Finally, he stops when Boris forcefully takes away Gowland's instrument. We all sigh in relief, and while Boris and Gowland begin to argue, I find myself being pulled away (sneakily) by Pierce. The mouse takes me to the rollercoaster and servants of the park greet us.

"We want to ride this one." Pierce says simply and the park attendants sit us. The adrenaline kicks in, and my heart beats fast. "Are you scared?" Pierce asks me and I laugh nervously, clenching onto the metal bars that provide as a seatbelt on the ride.

But, what do I know about rides? As the rollercoaster starts, I freak out and latch myself onto Pierce's arm. He doesn't seem to mind and when I glanced up at him, he looked completely uninterested to even be on this ride.

I sigh gratefully when the ride is finally over. I apologized to the mouse, knowing I clenched far to tightly on his arm. He waves his hand at me, telling me not to worry about it. I smile and thank him for taking me on the ride.

"Bridget wanted to go." He tells me and takes my hand, leading me to a secluded area of the park. I want to ask him what we're doing here, but as he steps closer to me, I feel as if I can no longer use my voice. "Bridget…"

"Pierce?" I managed to mumble out his name, as his arms wrap around me. One wrapped around my waist as his hand is placed at the back of my head. I don't say anything as he nears me, pressing our lips together.

I just stand there, frozen by his sudden action. Did he plan to kiss me every time we were alone together? My breath catches in my throat as he pushes forward, and soon enough, I fall over. Pierce falls on top of me, his lips still glued to mine.

I gasp, feeling his tongue run over my bottom lip and then enter my mouth. I shut my eyes tight, trying to do something. Anything, but allow myself to submit to him like this. Sure, Pierce was cute…but I had only just met him!

He pulls away suddenly, and my eyes grow wide when a bullet passes over my face. "Eh?" I say so brilliantly. I turn my head over, seeing Peter White. "You?" I ask, and he smiles at me briefly, before turning his deadly glare at Pierce.

I feel like an observer as I just lay there and watch Pierce dodge Peter's shots. I gasp when a bullet finally does hit Pierce, although it's not a shot that would kill him, I still worry for the mouse. "Wait!" I yell at Peter and rush over to Pierce. I kneel besides to the mouse, "Are you alright?"

Before I could get an answer, Peter White lifted me up and began to drag me out of the Amusement Park. "She's coming with me." Was the only thing that the white rabbit said. I tried to escape him, but his arms were firmly around me, and I found it increasingly hard and pointless to move away from him.

When we were a good distance from the Amusement Park, I decided to talk to Peter. "So, what was that all about?" I asked, arms folded across my chest and a definite pout on my lips. Peter chuckled and brought me closer to him.

"I heard Ace talking about you, Bridget." He smiled down at me, "I couldn't wait to see you!" He finished and continued to smile. I sighed and shook my head. I had no idea when Peter White found me so interesting. "Now, I think I'll keep you all to myself!"

I flicked him on the head. "Honestly, Peter! Do you really think that'll work?" He nodded, determined in his plan. I blew out a puff of air, and looked around. We seemed to be getting closer to the Castle of Hearts, and I briefly wondered whether or not he planned to sneak me in somehow.

"Peter?" He glanced down at me, asking what was wrong. "Nothing, it's just…do you mind if we stop for a bit?" He nodded and set me down, sitting closely to me. I mumbled thanks, leaning my back against a tree. The reality of everything that had happened and was happening, seemed to have finally caught up with me. "Why…is this happening?"

Peter didn't answer; he only comforted me by wrapping his arms around my shoulders and pulling me into him. He gently stroked my hair and said something that surprised me, "You can cry if you want to, Bridget. I'll be here for you."

And so that's just what I did. I sobbed into Peter's plaid jacket, wrapping my arms around him, my hands clenching the fabric of his clothes. I mumbled a string of apologies over and over, and I really had no idea who I was saying sorry to. I just felt it needed to be said.

Peter gently pulled me to an arm's length. He bent down, reaching an eye level with me. "Bridget, don't you see? You belong with me!" He suddenly pulled me into a tight hug, laughing and smiling. "Bridget, you should only be mine!" I pondered whether or not Peter was always this obsessive.

"So this is where you ran off to!" Ace's voice cut through the air, and Peter seemed to tighten his hold on me. "Mr. Peter, I think you should let go of Bridget." Peter actually did as Ace asked, only to set up his gun and point it directly at Ace.

Peter told me to hide and I did no such thing. "You two! Are you really going to fight?!" I yell out and apparently I'm unheard as the white rabbit begins to fire rounds and Ace dodges expertly. I continue to yell at them, but it seems as if they've completely tuned me out!

I wait for a break in the battle and instantly take action. I rush over to Peter and take his gun. The two seemed shock by my sudden action, but I don't stop there. I point the gun at Ace and yell at him. "Please! Stop this, if…only for me." My hands shake and I drop the gun, watching as it morphs back into a clock. "Don't fight for something so…silly."

"Silly?" Peter White repeats as he lifts up his large watch. "But, Bridget! We were fighting over you!" I shake my head and turn to face the knight of hearts. Peter continues to quietly ramble about me, but I simply ignore him.

"Ace…" He says nothing and sheathes his standard sword. "Idiot!" I suddenly yell at him and walk away from the two. They both yell out at me, telling me to wait and I abruptly turn to face them. "Don't follow me!"

With that said, I walk off into the forest and avoid any contact with any other inhabitants of Wonderland.

"At least here…" I mumble to myself and, as on the first night, I sit in the middle of the large rose garden. In this place, I feel safe and at home. Like I'm back with Alice, and we're just being girls. With Alice, I don't have to deal with all these…things. "I would like to stay only here."

"I can arrange that for you." A female voice catches me off guard. I quickly turn and meet eyes with the young looking girl from before. I believe, if I remember correctly, her name was Roza? "I wouldn't mind getting rid of you."

I quickly stood, staring down the girl. "What do you want with me?" Roza didn't so much as flinch at my words. She aimed her gun at me, and I froze. We were silent for what seemed like hours, but in reality were only a few minutes.

"I want you gone." She finally said. "I've been waiting for the day when the infamous Bridget would return. Granted, I wasn't so sure you even existed." I stared at her, watching closely her every movement as she continued. "The way they all talk about you, it was like you were some fairytale that they all dreamed up!"

"But…I made it so they wouldn't remember me. That way…" Roza cut me off, yelling at me to shut up. I instantly closed my mouth and made no more movements as the blond girl proceeded to explain what she had meant.

"I already know that." She scoffed, giving off the "I'm so much better than you" demeanor. "Their minds did forget you, but their hearts…as cheesy as this sounds, their hearts remembered you. And through that, their minds slowly began to remember you too." Roza shrugged and gave mock laughter. "What's so special about you anyway?"

I said nothing, waiting for just the right moment to make a move. If I acted to quickly she'd surely shoot me down without thought, and if I moved to slowly then I'd just end up getting shot point blank. Both of these scenarios I wanted to avoid.

"I'm almost at the end of my game." Roza fished out her vial, showing me the nearly full contents. "And, I've worked hard to get Blood to like me! I won't have some tramp ruin it!" That's when it happened. That's when everything happened at once.

When Roza had finished her yell she pulled the trigger twice. Two bullets flew straight at me, but I froze with fear. No matter how much my mind screamed at me to move, my body wouldn't react.

I let out a shuddering breath when the bullets were thrown off course by another pair of bullets. The whole clash was about a few inches away from my face. I slowly turned my head in the direction the new pair of bullets had come from and to my surprise, a small group of people stood there.

Boris held his small, pink/purple gun the barrel smoking from the bullet he had just shot. To the feline's left was Elliot March, who stood in very much the same pose as his gun flared from a shot fired. Behind Boris and Elliot were the twins and Pierce.

Roza hissed and yelled at them to stay out of this. The boys would hear none of it though, they lowered their guns and I, foolishly, believed that the confrontation was over. However, Roza seemed to have other plans as she quickly shot again.

This time, I felt a stinging pain surge through my upper torso. When I looked down, I caught sight of blood leaking from an open wound on my collar. My shaky hands went up to try and stop the blood flow, but to no avail.

I felt myself breaking, and I fell to the floor with a dull thud. Everything seemed to move so fast around me, all at once. I tried to move or say something, but I was told to save my strength and I was lifted into the air.

The voices all eventually blurred together and my eyesight faded to black. I was still somewhat aware of everything going on around me, but eventually darkness took me and I fell into a deep sleep.

I awoke, several hours later, in a daze. My hazel eyes looked around the room, it seemed familiar almost as if I've been here many times before. "Where…?" I licked my lips and swallowed, my lips felt dry, as did my throat.

I tried to sit up, but felt a sharp pain run through my neck and collar. I couldn't make sense of anything, so I just fell back down onto the bed and slid my eyes closed. I tried to lull myself back into sleep but couldn't.

Eventually, the door creaked open, and I remained with my eyes closed. Whoever had come in, took slow steps towards me. They sat bedside, and took one of my lifeless hands into theirs. I felt a cooling sensation as a glove gripped my hand.

"I shouldn't have let her leave." I instantly recognized Blood's silky smooth voice. "I didn't think Roza would go so far." He sighed and slowly stood as the chair scraped against the floor. "Bridget…" He whispered my name so quietly, his voice filled with such emotion that my heart swelled. "Bridget…"

I held my breath as I felt Blood's breath on the nape of my neck. I felt him move farther up, his hot breath now resting against the skin of my cheek. I wanted to say something, but what good would it do? I simply waited, breath still held, as Blood gently and softly placed his lips against mine.

Instantly, my eyes snapped open and met the dark eyes of the Hatter. He stared longingly; it seemed, into my shaking eyes. He mumbled something against my lips and I felt his hand at the back of my head. He gently pushed my head up, tilting it slightly, and deepened the kiss.

I didn't react at all until I felt Blood slick his tongue across my lower lip. My eyes became glossy, and tears began to fall. Whether from happiness or sadness I wasn't sure. I slowly wrapped my arms around him, finally returning his kiss.

The kiss continued for a few more breathless moments before Blood pulled a few inches back. "I'm sorry Bridget, for what Roza did." I stared up at him, wondering why he was apologizing for her.

I opened my mouth, and with fear thumping in my heart, I spoke. "What is Roza to you, Blood?" He didn't answer for the longest time and I shook my head. "F-forget I said anything. I'm just being silly."

Blood placed a gentle kiss on my lips and then moved away from me. He once again sat bedside, hands encasing mine. "Bridget, after you had left…Roza came." I blinked and listened quietly to his story. "She spent much time here, she spent much time with me. And…" His hands tightened around mine. "She…Roza filled that emptiness I felt after you had left. I care for her."

I wanted to ask if he loved her, like he did me. I wanted to ask if he still loved me. After all, that kiss he had given me could have meant anything. "Blood…do you…" I couldn't muster the strength to ask him. I sighed and smiled over at him. "Would you mind if I stayed here?"

"Would that suit you?" I blinked and guessed he was referring to Roza. My guess is that she too, was staying somewhere in the mansion. "Wouldn't you rather stay with Ace or Boris?" The bitterness in his voice caught me off guard. Was he referring to the other night?

"I don't think I can. I was at the Castle of Hearts earlier and that only ended in fighting, the same goes for the Amusement Park." A sudden thought hit me. Why hadn't I thought about it before? "If you really don't want me here, then I suppose I could stay at the Clock Tower?"

The door suddenly burst open and Elliot March and Dee and Dum rushed in. They surrounded Blood, and began to ramble and plead with him. I laughed and told them, it was up to Blood. They all turned their eyes to the Hatter and he sighed, he said it would be fine.

"I promise, I'll help around here." I told him, trying to ease his worries. He must've thought that Roza would try and kill me again or something. But, for whatever reason, I felt safe at the Hatter mansion.

"You don't look to bad in that, you know." Elliot told me after I had stepped out of my room, clad in a Hatter maid outfit. "Still, I don't know why you want to work. It could be just like last time." Elliot followed me down the hall, and I sighed.

"Why are you following me, anyway?" He smiled and continued to step besides me. "Elliot?" He took my hand into his and caused a deep blush to spread on my cheeks. "W-What are you doing?!" I yelled, trying to pull away from him.

"I want you to like me too, Bridget. I'll help ease the pain in your heart." I stopped, hands still entwined with Elliot's. He stood a few feet away from me, our arms outstretched towards each other. "I can see how hurt you really are."

"Nothing gets by you, does it Elliot?" I laughed, wiping away at my tears with my free hand. I began to walk again, Elliot trailing a few inches behind me. "Fine, if you want to follow me around all day, suit yourself."

Elliot actually did follow me, staying close to me as I did the housework that needed to be done. I went around with the faceless servants of the Hatter mansion, cleaning the insides first and then going outside to finish up the laundry.

I froze in my tracks, meeting another maid that held bright blue eyes and honey blond hair. I stepped away, my back colliding with Elliot's chest. His arms wrapped around my shoulders and he held me steady. "That's…"

"Claire." Elliot told me, his arms tightening around me. "She doesn't seem to remember anything, so don't worry. Even if she does, I'll be here to protect you." I sighed and nodded, patting lightly on Elliot's hands.

"It'll be okay." I told him, but said it more so to myself. I went over and gave Claire a smile; she smiled back and continued her housework. "So…" Before I could really start a conversation, Claire took my hands into hers. Why was everyone doing that?

"Don't worry Bridget, I…don't hate you. I do remember bits and pieces of things, but I can't hate you for what happened." She smiled and released my hands, helping me to gather the laundry. I sighed in relief, and set all of the sheets neatly into a basket. I watched as Claire easily lifted a large, full basket of clothes and left, so I tried to do the same.

I gripped the sides tightly and lifted, but found the task extremely difficult. "This is so heavy!" I said, forgetting that Elliot was there. I remembered his presence when he marched over and took the basket from me. "Eh? What are you doing?"

"I'll take this in for you." I pulled on the basket and shook my head. I was the servant here, so I needed to do the housework. Elliot resisted and pulled the basket back to him. "Let me help you Bridget!" He shouted and thus, the tug of war was induced.

Elliot pulled and I pulled back, this whole thing seemed to last only a few seconds as I pulled with all my strength and the basket with the clean white sheets were dirtied, because the basket had toppled over and caused me to fall with the hare falling atop of me.

I blinked, an embarrassed blush clear on my face. I lay there, beneath Elliot March, frozen and unable to form a coherent sentence. What freaked me out the most though, was the look Elliot had. He mumbled my name and the only thing I could see was his face slowly nearing mine.

A frightened squeak left my lips and I turned my head to the side, I felt Elliot's lips against my cheek and my heart was beating rapidly. I fearfully turned my hazel eyes to Elliot, seeing an expressionless face. "Elliot…"

Before I could say anything of meaning, the backdoor opened and both of our eyes turned to see Blood standing there with Claire and Roza on either side of him. Elliot slowly moved away from me into a sitting position and I scrambled to pick up the sheets, my heart was beating so fast that the sound pounded loudly in my ears.

I wanted to escape the situation as quick as possible. I prepared to lift the basket until I saw a pair of hands lift it instead. I smiled lightly and thanked Claire, the two of us heading inside as fast as we could. I avoided any contact what so ever with Blood, and ignored Roza's knowing gaze.

I was glad to simply go back to doing menial housework while the event unfolded in the backyard of the mansion. Claire, acting as my superior in the maidly arts, showed me around and indicated what tasks we had to do and such.

I was surprised at what she last told me. "Is that true? Blood, er..I mean, Lord Dupre really allows the servants to accompany him?" Claire nodded explaining that many, if not all, of the servants had attended the Queen's annual ball last year. "There's a ball?"

"Oh, that's right. You left before it, but it really is a grand event." Claire smiled and helped me as we set out the guest room's blanket. "I would love to attend it this year as well." I smiled and looked forward to the event myself. It really sounded wonderful.

Claire and I prepared to finish up with the day's work when a smug looking Roza stopped us. "You have a guest." She told me and forcefully dragged me into the living room of the mansion. She shoved me into the room, and I let out a breath.

Blood and Elliot sat directly across from Queen Vivaldi, Peter White, and Ace. Just what in the world was going on? I blinked and tried to sneak away, but Roza announced my arrival.

I mentally cursed the girl, especially when Peter White jump hugged me. He cuddled my face, repeating my name over and over. "Bridget! I've missed you so much!" He was inches away from kissing me before Ace pulled the rabbit away.

"Take a seat, Bridget." Blood's smooth voice caught my attention and I did as he said, sitting in between him and Elliot. There was no one anywhere else that was more uncomfortable than I was at this moment.

"Shall we continue our discussion?" The Queen spoke and Blood nodded. "Very well then." Vivaldi set down her teacup, the tea half gone. How long have they been here? "Bridget, would you like to come and stay with us at the Castle of Hearts? I assure you that it would be much more suitable for you than staying here."

"W-what?" I blinked, registering the information. "Why ask this all of a sudden?" I directed my question at the Queen and she explained it so simply by telling me that she wanted me away from the Hatter's as quickly as possible.

I turned my eyes to Blood. What did he think about all of this? I decided to ask, wondering and hoping that I'd get an answer I'd like. "Blood, err…sorry, Lord Dupre…may I ask you a question?" The mafia lord looked at me, his eyes boring into mine. He nodded and I continued, "What are your thoughts on all of this, Lord Dupre?"

"Whatever makes you happy, Bridget." He smiled softly, and took another swig of the tea. "I'd prefer it if you stayed here, however." The image of our kiss flashed in my mind and I felt my heart swell.

I turned back towards the Queen. "If it would please your majesty, I would prefer to stay here." I smiled gently at the Queen and she nodded, standing. I stood as well, and rounded the table. I bowed respectfully to the Queen and thanked her for the offer.

"Bridget!" I yelled out as Peter White called my name and jumped at me again. We toppled down to the floor, and he cuddled me. "I want Bridget to come with me and stay in my room! We can sleep in the same bed and I promise to keep you cozy and warm!"

I heard Ace's laugh and the knight lifted Peter off of me. I thanked Ace and we smiled at each other. "It's too bad, I would've liked to have seen you everyday." The knight smiled brightly and slung Peter White over his shoulder.

As I stood, I was face to face with the Queen. "If you should ever change your mind, the offer is still on the table." I nodded and thanked the Queen again. I held my breath when the Queen suddenly neared me, placing a soft kiss on my cheek. "Until then, Bridget."

I touched the spot where she had kissed, feeling the mark of her lipstick on my skin. When I had moved my hand, the spot was wiped off, and I looked up at Blood, holding a now stained handkerchief. "Thank you, err…Lord Dupre."

Blood sighed and tucked away the cloth. "Just call me as you like, Bridget. I don't mind if the others call me that, but not you." He took my chin into his hand and tilted my face up. He placed a soft kiss over Vivaldi's and left the room.

"I really can't understand that man." I mumbled and shook my head. I squeaked when I felt arms encircle my waist, and a chin place onto my shoulder. I glanced over to my left, seeing a mess of blond hair. "Elliot?"

He smiled slightly and angled his face towards me. "I'm glad you're staying here, Bridget. Sorry about earlier." I said nothing, but did manage another squeak as Elliot had pressed his lips on the nape of my neck. He released me after, and left the room.

I sighed and ran a hand through my dark hair. "This place…it gets more confusing with each day." I huffed out a breath and began to leave the room, wiping at all the spots I had been kissed within the last few minutes. "Way too many kisses for one day."

Requiem: That's another chapter down! I have to say, I'm glad it came out longer than my usual chapters, granted I was hit with inspiration and couldn't quite stop. Anyway, review please!