A/N: For those that are interested, I did do a M-rated 'Missing Reel' for the end of last chapter… titled 'A Simple Request."

Thank you so much, those of you that have reviewed (and favorited)! Your appreciation means the world, and it does feed that ever needy muse o' mine.


Chapter 11

As much as Hatter loved Sundays, he hated that Monday always followed it. There were certainly parts of Mondays that he liked, and any day with Alice in it was a good day to him. He did enjoy going to class with her to learn the fighting style that was such an important part of her life, although he thought the class was much too early for anyone to be moving about. He was nocturnal by nature, and likely would always be, but for her he would drag himself out of bed. Alice, on the other hand, was typically painfully cheerful and awake at ungodly hours… like eight a.m. Like this morning.

Alice had gone for a run, saying that the tournament had reinforced the fact that she knew she had been slacking in her training. She complained that she'd been out of breath while sparring much sooner than she should have been if she had kept up her conditioning. She had invited him to come along, but Hatter had glanced at the angle of the sun from his warm nest in the blankets and muttered something she probably would smack him for if she had heard it clearly.

He had insisted that she take her phone, although she hated to be encumbered with things in her hands when she ran. He was getting better at hiding his fear that something would happen to her, and he knew if he smothered her independence she would come to resent him, so he swallowed down his protests and kissed her goodbye. He ended up crawling out of bed anyway; it was empty and cold without her in it. He was awake now… he supposed he should try and make himself be productive.

Alice returned from her run flushed and happy, and even happier that she didn't have to bodily evict Hatter from the bed. He was awake and dressed for class, his duffle bag and hers already packed and waiting by the door with their gis, water, a change of undergarments stowed inside. He had even laid out the butter and marmalade along with a slice of bread that just had to be toasted. She looked at the spotless kitchen and furrowed her brow, how long had he been up? She recognized the hallmarks of Hatter burning up nervous energy and smiled ruefully as it clicked; he had been worried about her running by herself.

She couldn't fault him for it; the parks could be dangerous even in daylight hours. Alice was careful to stay in well used areas and to pay attention to her surroundings. She had grown up aware of big city dangers, and she believed that for the most part people were just paranoid. Aside from their brush with the gang, Alice had never really been all that concerned about her safety. She was smart, she knew how to defend herself, and she exercised due caution. She believed that it was enough to keep her out of danger.

Hatter would have an apoplectic fit if she ever admitted how silly she thought his concern for her safety was, but she did think it was sweet. Besides, his world was much more dangerous than hers, and she had gotten into some tight spots there. It only made sense that he felt he needed to worry. She had not failed to see the concern behind his dark eyes as he told her to be careful as she was leaving. She understood what it took for him to kiss her goodbye that morning without voicing complaint, and she did appreciate it even though she felt it was unnecessary.


Alice said that that one of her students was testing for his next belt today, and she especially wanted Hatter there to see what the process entailed. He was excited by the prospect of earning his yellow belt, and Alice said his testing would begin as soon as she returned from the tournament. She promised that his test would not be as intense as what he would see today; he was at a lower level of training and the testing difficulty would correspond.

Even forewarned, testing was not the process he supposed it might be. Sensei Lim often assisted with classes, and either he or a select few senior instructors always did the belt testing. They worked through the basics, simple beginning kicks and punches and stances, and then basic Judo locks, strikes, and holds. At first Hatter thought it would be easy for the young man that was testing, after all… Hatter was doing alright following along and he was a true beginner.

After the class was concluded, Hatter knew better. He couldn't help feel some trepidation at how he would measure up when it was his turn. He knew people… what drove them, moved them, and motivated their actions. Hatter understood instinctively what the testing process truly accomplished, and now knew that Sensei Lim did as well. He wondered if he could talk his way out of it. With Alice involved… not likely.

The young man that had tested was sweating profusely and shaking, and at one point Hatter had been certain that he was about to cry or quit or both, and yet after class let out he was smiling proudly. Hatter even felt moved to go over to tell him he had done a good job, impressed with his determination and strength of mind. The young man had just smiled his thanks and said he only had three more days of testing to go; the higher the belt, the more days of testing. Hatter would only have one day for yellow belt, and for that he was supremely grateful.


Showers and lunch went too quickly as always, and then Hatter was off to work and Alice was off to her Monday college class. Erica was a bright spot in the day, reporting for work in a fuchsia beret. She admired his brown tweed trilby and ceded the victory to him for best hat of the day. She was growing ever more confidant with the ins and outs of the tea shop the more she worked and learned about the business. He caught her giving him strange looks throughout the day and she seemed slightly less exuberant than normal, but he attributed it to his declination of her assistance with maintaining the books for the tea shop.

It was truly a shame that Erica would be competing in Nationals as well, he mused. He felt that she would be able to handle being on her own for extended periods of time by the end of the week. She grinned broadly as he told her so, and he was almost bowled over as she hugged him impulsively. Hatter didn't think he'd ever get used to people in Alice's world being so free with their emotions, and Erica was freer than most.

He discussed the testing process with her, curious as to what the lighthearted, bubbly girl would make of such a challenging and sometimes painful process. She had just laughed and blithely stated that her knuckles were so toughened to knuckle pushups that they hardly ever bled anymore. She said her mouth had earned her many of them before she had finally figured out how to shut up and listen. He lifted his eyebrows at her skeptically and she giggled in response.

Once again he thought maybe there was more to Erica than he might have imagined. He liked her, and he wanted to trust her. He wanted to. Perhaps Alice was right, he could be freer here… he could extend his trust a little bit. Maybe he would ask her to computerize his books after Alice and Erica got back from Nationals. He would still do them; but he could probably alleviate much of his workload by using her system. It was a baby step, but it was as much as he was willing to give. To him, it was a lot.

Hatter locked up that evening and walked the short distance to the dojo to watch the last part of Alice's black belt class, and then they walked home together, his arm securely around her. She had been thrilled to hear that he had decided to let Erica organize his books; she thought maybe he was finally beginning to let down his guarded responses to her world.


The next day, they were both on edge. Hatter was quiet and withdrawn, but Alice knew the reason why so she let him be. Alice tried to stay quiet also. She didn't want to snipe at him, and she almost couldn't help herself when she felt like this. She bit her tongue and silently accepted the breakfast he made for her, even though she wasn't hungry and it tasted like ashes in her mouth. He was letting Erica cover her afternoon shift on her own so they could meet with Jonas at one. Ordinarily the rare chance to sleep in and spend a little extra time alone together would be cause for celebration, but neither one of them felt like celebrating a thing.

Alice tried to study to occupy the morning, but it was no use. She slammed he book shut with a cry of frustration and rested her head in her hands. Hatter came running from the other room, eyes wide at the sound of her distress. Alice narrowed her eyes at him, and he backed up a step, confused.

"I am fine, damn it. What the hell did you think it was?" she grumbled.

Hurt flashed over his face, and she regretted her words instantly.

"Sorry. Just…" she waved her hands in the air, at a loss to describe the unease that filled her.

He strode towards her purposefully and lifted her up from the chair and enfolded her into a tight embrace against him. He held her as if she was going to disappear and she felt even worse about taking out her mood on him. She closed her eyes and breathed him in, let his warmth soothe her and calm her.

"It's okay, Alice. We'll be okay, I promise," he soothed.

She wanted to believe him so badly it hurt, but she was scared. She hated being scared.


They sat across from Jonas, nervously listening to him list Hatter's options. It seemed he would be best off applying for relief from removal since he had nothing to fight the deportation order with. His birth certificate had been found false, and he didn't even have as much as a credible witness to swear otherwise. Once the judge ordered him to be deported (and Jonas told them to expect it), they had a few other options. Either way, they would need to get married and have Alice file a 'Petition for Alien Relative.'

He could request a cancellation of removal, meaning he would be allowed to stay in country. He would be considered a non-lawful permanent resident and have to prove that he had lived in the US continuously for the last ten years and was of 'good moral character.' Since they would be married, he could also claim hardship would be caused by his removal. They didn't exactly have the records to back that option, so it was irrelevant.

Another option, also to be determined by the judge, would be the possibility of Hatter being granted a 'Conditional Permanent Residency'. He and Alice would need to be married, and after two years he would need to file for a 'Removal of Conditions' to get a permanent Green Card. They would be checked on over a two year period to ensure that their marriage was legitimate, but he would thereafter be considered legal.

Regardless, he would need to convince the judge that he had not faked his birth certificate; he was just unable to prove its validity through a twist of fate. Jonas hoped that both of his parents being deceased would help substantiate that Hatter had never intended to defraud anyone. For all he knew, his parents had the wrong documentation unbeknownst to Hatter.

They left the lawyer's office feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the knowledge he had thrown at them, but Jonas seemed to think that if they had the luck to get a sympathetic judge that it would all work out. Hatter also could appeal for help at the British embassy, but Hatter was afraid that those records would show a problem as well. Hatter had some time remaining before his court date, but the wedding would need to move along quicker than they had anticipated. Once again, they were at an impasse. There was nothing to do but wait. Alice was glad that Jonas was so willing to help... and she had even behaved herself out of gratitude.


Alice spent most of the evening sunk into one of the comfortable chairs at the tea shop with her textbooks. Hatter was busy, and if he joked and charmed less than usual his customers didn't seem to notice. Alice was glad he had something to keep his mind occupied; she wished she could force hers to do the same. She ended up taking over for him, pushing him towards the back room so he could make the special for tomorrow. He had been trying to blend it as he tended shop, and he hadn't had the best of luck with all the interruptions. Besides, she needed the distraction.

He looked calmer when he emerged from the back room an hour or so later, proffering Alice a cup of his newest tea. She knew blending tea was usually therapeutic for him, and it seemed to have worked. She had anticipated that he would study her reaction to his tea as he usually did; but this time he just set it down in front of her and kissed the top of her head before moving off to check on his other customers.

She frowned and picked up the delicate porcelain cup he always used for her and inhaled curiously; her nose wrinkled in reaction. It was strong, the color a deep oily brown. She took a cautious sip, immediately recognized tannin laden black teas as its base. Bitter and acidic, calling to mind a feeling of restless unease. Tart lime… fear. Grain… toasted brown rice maybe? Family and sharing… shared suffering. Afternote of a smoked green tea, tenuousness and frailty … it was perfect, and sad.

She closed her eyes and sighed. She didn't know how to help him because all that was inside him was inside of her also. She swallowed hard and set her jaw, she wouldn't let this hang over them, and he was damn well going to snap out of it, too. They had a wedding to plan, and a life to live together, and getting weepy about should and maybes and what if's was a waste of energy and emotion. They had each other, and they would deal. End of story.

Hatter felt her eyes on him and turned to face her. Her jaw was set in a familiar stubborn line, her eyes flashing in challenge. He nodded to himself, glad that she had come to the same end as he. He'd gotten it out of his system, and he was ready to move past it as best he could. He couldn't shake it completely, but regardless, he was done letting the threat of deportation sour his time with Alice.

He went to her when he had a moment, took her hand in his and pressed a kiss to her palm. He smiled for her… the first real one he had been able to conjure since leaving the lawyer's.

"What is it called?" she asked.

He chewed his lip as he considered, and she had a brief flash of surprise as she realized he hadn't named it yet.

"Worst part, you know," he mused.

At her curious look he elaborated. "You work and create and get it just right… and then you have to name it. All of the sudden you have to shove everything you created into a tight concise lil' package."

Alice laughed, delighted he had shared this little bit of insight with her.

"May I try?" she asked.

He nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, please! At this point I'm about to start polling customers."

Alice thought hard about all the sensations and flavors, considered the feeling of it.

"Suspended Disquiet," she proposed.

"Good. Morose… but good… and accurate," he approved.

She smiled smugly; he wasn't the only one that could be creative, "Almost time to lock up, my Hatter. Let's get home."

"Yeah. Home. That would be lovely," he agreed, throwing her a full out crooked dimpled grin.

It warmed her heart to see it; they would be okay.


As they drank their evening tea the meeting with the lawyer was still on both their minds, although they had both tactically agreed to let it go. Hatter could only hope that fate would not be cruel enough to give him such a precious thing like he had with Alice only to yank it away. Alice assured him that there was no way she would ever leave his side. She hoped to convince him to return to Wonderland and confront Jack about it... make him fix it. Although the glass had been closed indefinitely, Hatter had let it slip once that there were other ways to get to his world.

Hatter had been notorious for knowing all sorts of things, and if anyone could find a way to get back to Wonderland, it would be him. She knew he never wanted to return, and she understood his reservations, so she was determined to wait until they had exhausted the other options before even broaching the subject with him again. He had told her once that there was no way he would risk her life (or his own) by crossing back over.

He had tried to gently explain that Jack was in a precarious position as king, that he must appear strong at all costs. For what Hatter had done to him, to not execute him would be inviting disaster. It was not worth the risk. Hatter understood Jack better than Alice did; Jack was coldly practical when it came to ruling Wonderland. He would do what was best for the land, even if it meant doing something morally reprehensible that he would rather not do.

Jack viewed himself as the best king for Wonderland, and he would stay on the throne no matter what the cost. He would even kill Alice if she stood in his way… if she drove him to it. Hatter knew Jack would kill him without hesitation to protect his kingship. Alice disagreed, she couldn't imagine Jack ever doing such a thing, but she had shut up and nodded as if she did.

Alice rubbed the tense muscles of his neck with one hand as she tried to come up with a question for him for their nightly game, to be concluded by wedding planning. They had decided on colors last night and had gone with the unconventional choice of purple. She had given up completely on conventional. Nothing between her and Hatter would ever be normal.

She searched for something lighthearted and playful to ask, they didn't need any more worries than they already had.

"Okay, I've got one. What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?" Alice asked.

He chuckled, "That I had to wee."

Alice rolled her eyes, "That doesn't count. That isn't really thought, it's instinct," she protested.

"Hnn. Fair enough," he agreed.

He looked away for a second as he thought, and when he turned back to face her, his eyes were gravely serious.

"Same as always. Where is Alice?" he admitted.

"Oh," she replied, and she kissed his lips tenderly.

"I'm not leaving you," she said softly.

He nodded; his lips formed a wisp of a smile, "I know it."

"Let's see. Got it," his smile turned mischievous, "Do you believe in ghosts?"

"Yes," Alice replied quickly.

At his raised eyebrow, she elaborated, "Too much is unexplained, and nowadays I don't discount anything… even if it is weird."

She touched the tip of his nose with her forefinger, emphasizing her point with the living example sitting next to her.

"You?" she asked curiously.

He shrugged, "Yeah. I don't disbelieve anything out of hand either."

Alice smiled as she thought of another question for him, sparked by his last one. She thought she would know what he would say, but sometimes Hatter surprised her. She had to ask.

"Speaking of believing in things… Do you believe in soul mates?" she asked.

"I do now," he answered with a gentle smile curving his lips.

"And you didn't before?" she inquired.

He scoffed, "No. Didn't even believe in love. Not really. You?"

She rolled her eyes, "Romantic drivel."

"Really?" he countered, disbelievingly.

He knew Alice was a far cry from the maudlin sweet girls that usually argued the validity of such things, but he thought what they had together would convince anyone. Even his hard-nosed, tough and practical Alice. It had convinced him.

"Well yes… except for us," she smirked.

He narrowed his eyes at her playfully, "Funny."

"Alright love… flowers. Weddings have flowers… I was thinking purple irises," he proposed.

"My favorite," Alice smiled.

"Yep. I know. I quite like them as well," Hatter grinned crookedly, confident that he had chosen something she would agree to.

"That one was easy." Alice agreed.

"Sorted," Hatter declared, pulling her into his arms.


A/N: Ok so would Jack actually kill Alice? Probably not... but Hatter believes it. I think Hatter wants to believe the worst of him... and he is a good judge of charachter so...

And Hatter is really not used to displays of affection from people that don't really know each other that well, he's still adjusting. (Not above a double standard, is he?) And boy does Erica confuse him by her affectionate nature.

Naming things is such a pain, have got to agree. Like fictions… *grins*

Got some good stuff coming up soon… mwahhaaahaaa. I mean…um…

Meanwhile, I hope you enjoyed this… if so, please do review? Please? Feed my poor muse? And as always, thanks for reading.