9. Lobsters can dance

The White Queen was very fond of parties. In fact, the only thing she was more fond of than attending parties was hosting them herself. So it was of no surprise to Alice when the White Rabbit showed up at her estate in the Otherworld with an invitation to one of the Queen's famous galas. Without a second thought, Alice was more than happy to follow him down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland for the third time that month. Her visits were increasing in frequency, much to the delight of the Hatter.

In preparation for this particular party, the Hatter was once again partaking in his trade. If he was honest with himself, he knew that the party was only a convenient excuse to make a hat for Alice. In actuality he had been aching to make one for her since the day she confessed to be pondering marriage. It wasn't a ring but who needed a boring old ring when they had a marvelous hat to wear? It was a sass style hat made of emerald felt, with the right side of the brim left straight and the left side pinned up against the base. Since the very first day he had seen Alice in that green silk gown he fancied the color on her. From the front of the brim he hung several dangling, silver stars and a black veil that would stop just past her nose. On the left side he pinned an ornate cluster of silver, white and black feathers that would sway every time Alice moved her head.

It was a simple hat, especially considering the Hatter's penchant for the flamboyant but he styled this hat in the same way he thought of her, elegant and refined with a touch of fantasticality. Quite satisfied with his creation he placed it carefully in a hat box, straightened his jacket for the umpteenth and finally left his room to join the rest of the guests in the ballroom. As he made his way down the long and winding hallways, he began to fumble with his bow-tie nervously. What if she didn't like it? Such a thought stopped him in his tracks. It was one thing to be commissioned to make hats and the commissioner to find some distaste with them but it was a completely different thing to make a hat from the heart and be met with rejection. Perhaps this had been a bad idea. He was perfectly used to having mad ideas but never had he thought he would think up a bad idea.

"Now now, if you don't hurry along, Alice will find someone else to dance with." Cheshire drawled from behind the Hatter.

"I was hurrying until you came along."

"Really? Well you must truely be mad indeed to think standing still is the same as hurrying." With a chuckle Cheshire floated around in front of Hatter, lounging on his back. "I do think I'll ask Alice to a dance myself. Ta ta!" With that final jib, the eccentric cat evaporated.

With an indignant huff, the Hatter hurried onwards. He would be damned if he let that pesky cat took up all the spots on Alice's dance card and it would be just like him to pull such a dastardly trick. Once in the ballroom it was easy enough to spot his intended dance partner, it helped that she was one of the only ones not wearing white. In fact, she wore a beautiful Victorian gown of emerald green. He couldn't help his wide, goofy smile upon seeing her. He had made a good choice in color indeed.

She stood in the middle of the ball room, giggling and clapping as a lobster quadrille danced merrily for the entertain of all in attendance. Doing his best to straighten his tie, he made his way to her side. Sensing his presence, she turned to greet him with a wide smile and mirth sparkling in her lovely blue eyes.

"Have you ever seen such a sight?"

"Several times in fact. Lobsters are most accomplished dancers! All the best learn from them."

Alice giggled happily and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You look dashing my dear Hatter."

"And you look stunning yourself luv." He delighted in the way she blushed. "In fact, I have a present for you." With a flourish he opened the hat box and presented to her his green masterpiece.

"Oh Hatter! It's beautiful!" She gasped as she reached into the box and carefully picked up the hat to admire it further.

"Alice would you...perhaps you would consider..." the mad hatter gulped and Alice gazed at him with wide, anxious eyes. "..Would you do me the honor of..." he felt his nerve failing. "...wearing my hat?" he squeaked out.

"Oh Hatter..." Those had not been the words she had been hoping to hear but then, when was the hatter anything anyone expected? "I would be honored to wear your most exquisite hat." With care, she put it on her head and pinned it in place. It fit perfectly. She hadn't expected any less.

With a sad, soft smile Hatter bowed to Alice and extended his hand as the band started another song. "Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, will you, won't you join the dance.? He asked.

Once accepted, he swept her about the ballroom for the rest of the night in a series of eccentric waltzes, keeping her to himself the entire time. As they danced the night away he silently resolved not to lose his muchness next time.


Author's Note:

I completely re-wrote this chapter four times and picked it over several times after that. Only a few things ideas remained constant through out all the different versions of the this chapter, but I'm finally happy with the out come.

Only one chapter left to go. I'll try to have it up by the end of the night. I do intend to continue this story line but it will be in a different story and most likely rated M.

For those of you who catch the references in this chapter: Good job!

As always, please review. They help me overcome my shyness so I can work on the next chapter.