Wilkins was a good butler. He knew that and he figured his master knew that too - even though it was rare he said so. Wilkins did his best every day. He did his best to tend to the Grand Clock, heed Time's orders, and lead Miss Alice to the parlor whenever she arrived.

And she did arrive - twelve past two - and he did lead her to the parlor. But he was not just a piece of created clockwork - he had manners. "You look lovely today, Miss Alice," he told her politely before he could stop himself. It was natural of him - or ground into him - that he compliment the lady guests Time had...

He coughed to himself.

Time only ever had two lady guests. And heaven help them if both should turn up at the same time.

Alice looked startled for a moment before returning a smile. "Thank you, Wilkins." And it was an honest answer not dull and rehearsed as the Red Queen's.

He let out a good sigh. He stepped aside the doorway. "The parlor, Miss."

"Thank you," she said again. She gave a small and polite curtsy.

If blood rushed through his nonexistent veins, he would be blushing. He was just a butler. No one ever paid him any mind.

"Yes, thank you, Wilkins," Time managed a little tightly.

His eyes flicked to the man. He could tell it took great strength for Time to acknowledge that Wilkins had done something worth rewarding... even if it was simply bringing Alice to the parlor.

But then again, she was in the room. And a gentleman must always impress the lady.

Time wasn't finished, he realized. "You may go."

"Sir?" Wilkins blinked. He was always present during visits from the Red Queen - what made this visit from Alice any different?

"Go," Time pressed. He looked a little impatient. He gave a slight glance over his shoulder at Alice then he looked down at Wilkins. His voice lowered to a whisper for his butler to hear only. "Do not bother me for the day."

Wilkins felt overwhelmed by this sudden change. "Sir, wh-what if there's a problem?" he tried hurriedly.

"Then get the manual. Use your wit. Do something! Just don't bother me," he shooed.

"What if the chronosphere-"

"Enough with your 'what ifs'. Go!" His growl was borderline frustrated but he managed not to raise his voice - a sheer accomplishment.

Wilkins stumbled a bit then managed a bow. "Yes, sir." He left the parlor and started down the hall.

"Everything alright?" he heard Alice ask.

"It is nothing," Time replied.

Now, Wilkins usually did what Time asked without question. He usually returned about his business with walking the grounds, checking on the seconds, and ensuring the Grand Clock was working just fine.

After given an order from the parlor, he usually walked down the long corridor and disappeared around the corner.

Usually.

He did so half of the hall down then ducked into another room. It wasn't often the castle was filled with a quiet peace. And it wasn't often Wilkins approved of Time's lady friend.

He poked his head out of the doorway and watched as Time and Alice left the parlor. Their pace was slow and comfortable down the corridor.

Wilkins followed naturally. He was curious as to his theory about the yellow-haired girl.

The two seemed to be having a light and pleasant conversation for Time often nodded his head and sent Alice fleeting glances. She must have been talking to her heart's content. And it was a sight to see Time actually listen to anyone in real time.

They turned the corner and Wilkins followed like a loyal dog. He tried not to make too much noise - the last thing he wanted was for Time to be angry with him for not obeying orders and worse, invading his privacy with an important guest. He kept this small routine for the next several turns in the castle, and he was about to finally head back to his duties when something interesting caught his eye.

Time, much unlike himself, appeared hesitant and cautious. Wilkins soon found it a bit amusing. He watched as Time unclasped his hands (which were behind his back) and started to reach for Alice's dangling hand at her side. Halfway there, he changed his mind and rubbed the side of his face instead.

Alice turned her head toward him and must've given him a curious look for he shook his head as if to say 'nothing is the matter with me'.

Several more paces separated that near incident and Time got the courage yet again to reach for her hand. He was semi-successful with this try... only he retracted his hand the second his gloved fingers grazed her palm.

Wilkins could make out the faint but amused smile to Alice's lips. He noticed she didn't acknowledge that she had felt his touch.

He found himself watching with much anticipation. He waited for the man to try again.

Time seemed to square his shoulders after a few more paces and nods to Alice's story, gathering his courage. He cleared his throat and she quickly glanced at him before continuing on with her words. He soon matched her pace and unclasped his hands again. With a subtle deep breath (and holding onto that breath), he laced their fingers together.

Alice stopped talking.

Time froze (quite literally). He wondered if he had made a mistake.

Wilkins waited with nail-biting anxiousness for someone's reaction.

Time tried to undo what had been done, but Alice tightened her grip. He stopped trying to pry his hand from hers and looked at her. "I... I should have asked."

She smiled softly. "It's alright."

"F-forgive me," he said for he really didn't know what else to say.

"There's nothing to forgive," she returned.

Time looked at her gently and gave a small smile of his own. Then his head turned and Wilkins slid out of the hallway.

"Wilkins," Time called sternly.

"Oh!" the butler gasped. He tried to shrink himself into the wall - an effort of hiding in case Time came looking.

"Wilkins," he repeated... with a little bit of humor in his voice.

He slowly stepped out into the hallway. "Yes, sir?" he offered lightly. He had been caught. He hoped punishment wouldn't be too bad. He looked up and found a curve to Alice's mouth - she was smiling. He glanced at her hand, it was still clasped in Time's grasp.

"Wilkins, return to the Grand Clock," Time managed a little tightly - again.

The piece of clockwork, relieved to know this was as much of a scolding as he would get, bowed gratefully. "Yes, sir," he said energetically, this time truly following directions. "Right away, sir!" He had a skip to his step as he retreated to the Grand Clock.

A single thought filled his head as he departed from the two beings holding hands:

Perhaps this yellow-haired girl will lighten the master's stone heart.