Chapter Nine: We're All Mad Here!

The former King of Wonderland let out a laugh. "Well that and I was sure enjoying the show!"

Cheshire clenched his fists tightly. "Get out!" He shouted angrily, turning on his heel.

"Now, now, don't get your knickers in a twist. I just want to talk with you."

The Cat King rolled his eyes and glared over his shoulder, "What, pray tell, makes you think I would ever talk with you about anything?"

The King of Hearts smiled slyly at him, "The girl." He stated simply.

Cheshire turned and frowned at him, "W-what about the girl!" He half shouted and half whined.

"Well…. I can help you get her back…" He said circling around the Cat King as if he was a predator stalking its prey.

Cheshire rolled his eyes again, "Sorry but have you seen your wife? No offense, but you're kind of the last person I'd ask for advice on the female gender."

"Ignoring that. I'm serious though I can definitely help you win her back. Of course, it'll cost you." The King of Hearts said with a smile.

Cheshire was silent and watched him continue to circle.

"What is it that you want?"

The King chuckled. "Oh, you know." Cheshire stared at him, his glare slowly softening, but his mouth remained a tight line. "Why should I give it to you?" He asked, voice barely a whisper. "Well, for one I can help you get the girl back and two…. my dear lovely wife wont stop nagging me until I get it back."

The Cat King gave a small chuckle and looked to the side.

The King of Hearts sighed and shrugged his shoulders, "Oh well…can't say I didn't try." He said and made to move to the door when a pale hand grabbed his shoulder. He glanced behind to see the Cheshire King with his head bowed and his shoulders slumped.

"If I give it to you, do you promise I'll get her back?"

"Cross my heart and hope to die." The King said with a laugh. "Get it? Heart? Ha!"

Cheshire blinked slowly and stared at him.

"Yes…ahem…right, here's what you do…"

Lucy and the Rabbit had just finished visiting the March Hare, the Mad Hatter, and the Caterpillar and were finally making their way towards the Rabbit Hole.

Neither one spoke. Neither one needed to.

Lucy was walking slowly behind her friend and staring down at the path beneath her feet. 'I'm going to miss all of you…' She thought silently as she looked up at the Rabbit ahead of her. 'Especially you Mister Rabbit.' She thought with a smile.

"Well….h-here we are." The Rabbit said, voice cracking a bit.

Lucy wrapped her arms around the creature and smiled kindly. "Thank you Mister Rabbit, I'll miss you terribly."

"We will all miss you, Lucy." He said patting the girl's back and giving a small smile in return.

"Well…here I go." Lucy said standing up straight and wiping her eyes. Turning to make her leave, until…

"STOP!"

"Huh?" The two friends both turned at the sudden shout.

They stared in shock at the panting Cheshire Cat standing before them.

"Lucy…." He wheezed.

"W-what are you…?" She started but was cut off when he put a finger to her lips. "Don't…just let me say this…." He said with a determined look, she slowly nodded, letting him continue.

"Lucy…. I'll admit it, this thing with you started off as another one of my games…." She gave him a glare. He put his hands up in front of him, "Just wait a minute… it started as a game but…. I think I fell for you…. no I don't think I did I know I did! Lucy I'm in love with you!" He gave her a grin. "I just had to say that before you left…" He dropped his hand to his side and watched her. "If you want to leave I understand I ju—" He was cut off as Lucy threw her arms around his neck, and connected their lips in a kiss.

"Oh dear!" The White Rabbit quickly turned and held his ears down, giving them some privacy.

When they pulled away both were blushing and breathless. Lucy gave him a smile. "Do you mean it?"

Cheshire could only grin, "Lucy I gave up Wonderland for you, of course I mean it."

Lucy's eyes widened in shock, 'He gave up Wonderland? He… he must really…". She smiled happily up at him before she connected their lips once more. As they kissed the Cheshire Cats color returned to his colorless body once again.

"I must be mad…" Lucy whispered as they pulled away. "To have fallen for you."

The Cheshire Cat grinned his infamous grin and crowed, "My dear this is Wonderland…. we're all mad here!"