Sorry for not uploading in so long, had loads of coursework to get through for college and its currently exams week, but I'm squeezing this quick update into the break in the middle of my business class.

DISCLAIMER: I own none of the characters or figures in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

Hatter wandered off to his workshop and looked at the various fabrics scattered around the room waiting to be turned into glorious hats. He had a waiting list longer than a Jabberwocky's tail and the doorknob had sorely missed him. He picked up all of the fabrics and tried to order them around the room.

"So how is your lovely wife, Hatter? Still well?" The doorknob called. He glared at it. The doorknob had a tendency to try and woo his Alice. His Alice! How dare he!

"Ye better keep a ged eye on yer screws, ye blasted figgelruddy hukydurp! If ye're not caref', they migh' jus' be stolen! Ye'll be replaced!" he shouted and waved a screwdriver at the door. "Ye will do well no' t' be gogglin' at me wife!"

The doorknob promptly shut up.

As he continued tidying the room he saw a glimpse of something not right in the mirror. He thought he saw figures moving in it, but he was stood still. He started panicking. Who did he tell? The Queen was on her way to Queast for a Royal visit. Alice was asleep and with child so he couldn't worry her. Absolem was currently unresponsive to calls, and the only person he could think to speak to was the Cheshire Cat.

He wasn't sure he was willing to put up with that squadling, breffuling, wasterly, gribble statch-.

"Well don't we look upset?" Too late, he already had to.

"Hello Chess. What on earth do you think you're doing in my workshop? You have no use for a hat!"

"On the contrary, as I can shape shift into you, do you not think I can shape shift into another human? One that can wear a hat." The cat's big green eyes flicked up to the hat perched on Hatter's head. It was immediately grasped by the Hatter's mercury poisoned hands. The purple cat giggled.

"So what's distressing you Hatter? You've been almost carefree for two years. Alice and the child are fine. What's the upset for?"

Hatter eyed the mirror suspiciously again. There was nothing moving now. "There was something in the mirror. And it wasn't me." He edged over and poked the glass gently, pulling away quickly like it might bite.

Chess raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sure nothing is wrong, but Absolem is still missing, so we can't ask him. I will be certain to let the queen know about your worries, and ask around to see if anyone else has noticed anything." Chess peered at the man. "Why don't you take Alice for a turn around the cherry blossom trees? You know that the petals taste wonderful this time of year, and your darling wife loves them so. It will ease your mind."

Tarrant sighed and agreed to go and walk with Alice. She had looked so beautiful this morning. She'd been napping when he left, but she should be waking soon.

"Have fun, Tarrant. I'm sure it will be wonderful." A Cheshire cat grin said as it faded away.

A/N

I KNOW! It's so short but I'll update this weekend if I can It should be tomorrow. And if anyone has read my other story, Innocent Like Roller Coasters, please give me a review = ( my best friend liked it, but I don't trust his view. He doesn't do romance...

Anyway, thanks for the reviews for the last chapters, and the story alerts and everything... it makes me and my Musie very very happy :D