The Problems of Staying
Thank you: supersushicupcake, TheMadAlice, .already, crazzy2000, sosue16, silvertwilightgemini, BrokenBlackCat, Bizzarieve, Aitora x Otaku, gnatgnats {NatalieK}(Ok listen up reader! You are amazing with that long review! I took note of everything so it will all be used!), HeartnoKuni333, GreatAnime, Guest (5), Somebody, OtakuForever13, Bloodredlilypads (you do not need to be logged in to vote), brighteclipsemoon (Thank you so much for helping me with saying where I need to improve it helps shape me as a writer), AnimeLuver200, Hinata77779, GigiandMad(Yay another review from you! I think Julius would word that carefully. Thank you for the compliment on Elliot, made my day. Also I do understand what you mean with Blood. He is a difficult character for me so that meant a lot. And yes as you can see with my lack of updates and slow update I have been busy too.), Psychotic and Insane (I always check for updates throughout the making of chapters so no matter how late someone reviews their ideas and opinions will be used and appreciated. It means a lot of remaking and drafting but it makes people happy so thank you for the review), pinkyndx, Rainbowbubbles, Fangal16love (ok I am super sorry that I got your review late! I was so far into the story that I couldn't include all your ideas! But I will try to find an open part for them)
Wow! That was a lot of reviewers!
Attention! Attention! Please read the not at the bottom, at the end of the chapter! It is regarding the continuation of the story!
Very Important
Results for the questions~!
Julius and Alice's date – read to find out.
Alice's date for the Spring Festival – Julius!
Total results: Julius-11, Blood – 3, Ace – 4, Boris – 6, Twins – 4, Joker – 3, Elliot – 4, Peter – 2, Gray – 1, Pierce – 1
Ace will be brought back! (Sadly I do not like him but he is a player in the game again)
The person leaving is . . . Blood!
Total Results: Blood – 14 and Jokers – 10
Can't you feel the love Blood? Also gnatgnats because you loved Blood so much I am going to give him a big part in this chapter and show him so love in this chapter but he is no longer a player in this game for Alice's hand. Sorry! If you want to speak about it I can make you a deal if you PM me. I can make a one-shot for Alice and Blood if you request it.
The Problems of Staying
Alice woke up feeling refreshed and . . . smelt something burning. Alice quickly got up and ran down the kitchen following her nose. She walked into the kitchen to see something black and deformed on a plate by Julius. Julius, who had his back to her, seemed to be making something or attempting to make something edible. Alice took a step forward and tapped Julius's shoulder.
With Julius:
Julius woke up early to see a peacefully asleep Alice. He smiled while running a hand through her tangled, dirty-blonde hair. 'That hatter really is taking this game seriously. I . . . I don't want to lose her. I can't lose her. I really do have to step up my game.' (Author Note: pun intended) Julius thought about what he could do for his date. He cringed at the thought of leaving his tower but knew it would be worth it to marry the foreigner. He then thought of ideas to 'woo' her.
'I already have a leg ahead in this game. She is comfortable enough to stay in my bed with me and already lives with me. But the Hatter isn't afraid to use underhanded tricks and advantages. Not to mention Peter he is obsessed with her. Nightmare can read her mind to know what she wants. Pierce and Boris are her age. But the others (Elliot and Twins) I have no idea about them with her. How can I get her to consider me more?'
Julius though a little more than an idea struck him. He crawled out of his warm bed and dressed quickly in his bathroom. He walked quietly, so not to disturb the fair-haired female in his bed, out of his room and down the stairs. He quickly got into his kitchen and sought out an old recipe book that was owed by a previous clockmaker. He flipped the pages while making some coffee.
He finally found the recipe he was looking for, chocolate crepes. He had no trouble making the batter but then came the hard part . . . cooking them. Each and every time they came out burnt. He sighed sadly at the latest concoction. 'They don't even look like any type of food! They could be coal for a fire!' Suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder and he jumped at the touch turning around quickly.
He saw a confused Alice in front of him. She looked from the food to the plate. "Julius, what is that?" Julius sighed and gave a frustrated look at the food, if you can call it that. "It was supposed to be your surprise breakfast." He closed his eyes and sighed with his head down.
'He was trying to make me breakfast? That's so . . . sweet and thoughtful. Even though it looks like it could be coal for a fireplace to warm the ever-sick Nightmare. Maybe I can lend a hand.' Alice thought to herself and grabbed Julius's hand shocking the self-pitying Julius out of his thoughts. "Let's remake it together." Alice said to the role-holder that holds the role of the guardian of time. Julius looked at her with a shocked expression and wide dark stormy blue eyes. His expression melts like dark chocolate and a gentle, peaceful smile graces his face. He nods his head yes. The two make breakfast without a hitch.
The two sat down at the small table in the corner of Julius's work room. They ate in peace and drank fresh, perfectly ground (Julius made the coffee) coffee. Julius sighed happily into the coffee cup. Feeling the peace and comfort that always surrounded the area where Alice graced with her presence.
"I have planned something special for our date but we have time until then. I will do anything that you wish to do until then." Julius said not looking at Alice. Alice looked at the bluenette with open mouthed shocked. 'Okay breakfast and him saying he will do anything that I wish . . . wow.' Alice thought in her shocked state. Alice blinked three times to clear her head. "Can we go shopping and see a movie?" Alice asked a bit afraid because of Julius's out of characterness.
'Crap. That means I have to go to the busiest part of town. But it's for Alice so it will be worth it. I have to get her to choose me.' Julius thought gravely just imagining all the people he would be around. He sighed before looking at her and saying that they could leave as soon as he changed into new cloths and she got dressed.
When both were dressed for the day they met in front of the main door. Alice dressed as she normally does but was surprised that Julius went to the effort to dress differently and nicely. He wore a long-sleeve, navy blue silk button down shirt. Black slacks were seen as well as a gold chain with a Roman numeral clock around his neck. He also sported dark brown leather loafers. His long midnight blue locks were tied back in a golden yellow ribbon. Overall Julius put an effort to look good for Alice and succeeded.
"Oh before I forget let me check Peter and make him breakfast. I can't believe I nearly forgot him!" Alice turned to leave but was stopped by what Julius said. "Alice while you were changing a messenger from the palace came. The queen needed the Prime Minister back even though it was early. Though for an ill being he put up quite the fight." Julius muttered the last part to low for Alice to hear through her human ears. He remember the shot soldiers and the few with broken bones and black and blue eyes.
Alice made wide, blue eyes and looked down with a sad smile. "Oh . . ." 'I never thought I would miss Peter. I guess that when he isn't all clingy and stalker-like he isn't that bad. I even miss Blood a little.' Julius narrowed his dark navy-blue eyes at her expression realizing that the rabbit seamed to worm his way into her heart and get on her good side. 'I hate rabbits.'
Blood pov:
Blood decided to call in the favor now. He sent a faceless maid to retrieve a faceless knight from the Heart Castle. As soon as, faceless knight number seven arrived Blood got straight to business. "If you recall the request to rid you of your ex-girlfriend I would like you to finally repay me for that." Number seven was sweating nervously and pulling on his shirt collar from the anxiety he was experiencing but managed to nod his head. Blood smiled viciously noticing how uncomfortable the faceless was.
"Good. I want you to make sure that you interrupt Alice and Julius's date. Send her to the Castle under the illusion that the Queen wants her or that Peter is throwing a tantrum. It would be suspicious if a Palace Guard says the Hatter wishes to see her so do not mention that I, or any of the mafia, sent you. Am I understood?" Number seven nodded and went to leave. "Oh and faceless?" He turned around nervously.
"If any of my orders are misfollowed or not carried out there will be consequences." Blood slurred dangerously while standing and facing the window. He was swishing his cane back and forth in a dominating and haunting manner. Number seven let out a quiet "Eep!" That made the Mad Hatter chuckle cruelly out. Number seven left quickly to fulfill the Mafioso's order.
Alice pov:
So the two set out to see what Julius had planned for their date. Alice was wondering what the shut in had planned for later. Alice was looking to her left at the trees they passed that had faceless squirrels scurrying over them until she felt something slide into her right hand. She snapped her head to the side to see that it was Julius's callused yet warm, smooth hand. She looked at him in surprised to see pink slightly dusting his cheeks and ears. Julius couldn't even look at her, she took a guess that it was from embarrassment. She gave a little smile his way, unsure if he saw it, and faced forward again.
The two were walking through the forest towards the small town that wonderland has. "Alice?" "Hmm, yes Julius?" "You are going to the Spring Festival, correct?" Alice turned her dirty-blonde head towards the mortician on to see him looking at her seriously. "Yes, Blood told me to go." Julius looked shocked for a quarter of a second but then it quickly changed to skepticism. "Ahh . . . so you are going with the Hatter." Alice stopped walking momentarily; causing Julius to notice that she looked shocked and lost in her thoughts for a second of time.
"No I am not going with Blood. He invited me and said I would be the guest of honor. But, he didn't ask me to be his date." Alice said monotonously. Julius breathed out a sigh of relief, through his nose though because he didn't want Alice to see how relieved he was. He didn't want to look desperate. "Well, someone has yet to receive the honor to be your date; I would appreciate it if you bestow the honor of escorting you to the festival to me." Julius said while looking at her with his deep blue ocean eyes. "Y-Yes."
Julius smiled widely and showed true happiness. Alice was in shock never before had she seen someone so happy to be on a date with her of for her to say yes to them. Never before had she seen the gloomy mortician so happy, so content, so – so ecstatic.
Soon the two made it to the town. The two decided to see a movie first. Alice wanted a romance but then when she mentioned it she saw Julius deflate and pale. 'It must be hard on him to be around all these people so suddenly. I guess he can pick the movie. Shame, I wanted to see that romance.' Alice thought to herself. "What do you want to see Julius?" Julius eyes widened for a second from suddenly being pulled from his mini-mind theater. (Encase you were wondering, he was thinking of all the women in the theater wiping their eyes from tears caused by the movie and making little comments about how sweet it was. Also, all the saps that were dragged into it: their dates.)
"It's fine whatever movie you want." 'Well . . . since he insists.' Alice thought to herself. "Okay romance movie it is!" Alice said happily, the faceless could literally see the clockmaker pray that he would survive. Julius bought the tickets from the worker and glared when the faceless chuckled at him, thoroughly scaring the faceless into shock. Alice of course was to rapped into thought about the 'perfect' movie.
When the movie was over Julius looked like Alice did when she saw Ace kill all those faceless in front of her for the first time . . . only ten times worse. Alice was wiping tears from her blue eyes with a content smile on her face. "Amanda *sniff* I knew you a todd were meant to be. Isn't that right Julius?" Alice looked up to the bluenette man waiting for a response. She saw a brain fried Julius and looked at him confused. Julius looked down at Alice and forced a smile and just nodded his head yes in agreement though he didn't know what he was agreeing too. "Let's watch it again." Alice said happily walking towards the ticket booth. Julius paled and quickly grabbed her hand, spead walking to a café in hopes to distract her so he wouldn't watch that movie that made the murderous role-holders look like pansies.
"Alice, how about some coffee than we can purchase a dress for the Spring Festival for you to wear." "Okay, Julius." The two walk to the nearest café which was an Italian and French cuisine café. The two walked to the counter and looked at the pastries. "Julius do you want a coffee cake or a blueberry muffin?" "I would prefer a coffee cake." Alice nodded and ordered a cappuccino and a coffee cake, Julius requested a large black coffee. The two grabbed the brown paper bag with the café's logo on it and sat down at a small table that had a few crumbs, which were leftover from the previous customer, on it. Julius cleared the crumbs from the table and pulled Alice's chair out for her. After she sat down Julius pushed the chair in for her and took a seat in front of the blonde.
Julius took a sip of the coffee and made a face, similar to a face of someone who bit down on a fresh lemon for the first time in their life. Alice looked at Julius and cocked her head to the side. "Is something wrong with the coffee Julius?" Alice asked sweetly. "No, I just prefer the coffee you make for me. Compared to yours this is a negative ten." Julius told her seriously. Alice gave a smile to the mortician. She felt touched by the honesty held in that statement. 'That's so sweet.' 'Point one for the mortician, I may be ahead of that sleazy Hatter now.'
While the two were eating the coffee cake a soldier of Heart Castle came up to them. "Miss Alice you are requested to go to Heart Castle immediately." Alice looked at the card with the number seven, attempting to find a similarity in the faceless's face but finding none to spark a memory of the man. "Why?" Alice asked, not noticing Julius's skeptical look. Number seven was sweating out of nervousness, trying to think of a reason when he remembered something Dupree had said to use as an excuse. "Prime Minister White keeps requesting your presence. He refuses to work until you return to him." Card number seven stated confidently.
Alice sighed, "Tell Peter I will visit him later. After I finish my date with Julius." Alice told the faceless soldier. The soldier looked as if she just ended his life. Alice turned back to eating The soldier was about to speak to the foreigner again and stepped forward to touch her when he felt his gear freeze he turned his head slightly toward the clock maker who had a glare that cracked the glass of his clock. 'Sweet Role Giver spare me.' Number seven thought helplessly. He turned to leave and as soon as he got out of the café. He felt something slam into him and push him into a wall.
Number Seven pov:
Number seven looked up and saw nothing. He slowly looked down into two menacing contradicting eyes. One a striking crimson red that flashed showing him the color he would soon be. The other a cold-blooded blue that showed the color his lips would turn once the last breath left his lips.
"Aww you didn't do Boss's orders." Dum started with a voice that held barely restrained excitement. "Boss won't be happy." Dee added gleefully. "Looks like we get to fulfill Boss's side of the detail. The soldier paled bringing out the red of his uniform. "W-Wa-Wait! I can finish the order if you give me time!" "We gave you time" Dum said smiling madly. "Now we finish the game." Dee said trailing off after finishing the sentence.
The twins closed in on the faceless soldier numbered seven. The soldier screamed out in pain after feeling the sharp edged blade of the Viking axe cut his arm clean off. The twins laughing an innocent child's laugh that mixed with a mad-man's chortle. Slicing formerly numbered seven limb from limb until nothing was left but the cracked-glass clock.
The wins were about to demolish the clock when suddenly a black ghost-like creature snatched it just in time. The Bloody Twins looked up at the afterimage like a child does when an adult takes their candy. "Hey that's our toy!" The blue eyed Tweedle twin stared. "So give it bake!" The ruby-red eyed twin finished. The afterimage just slicked away to the tower, ignoring the whining children.
Julius pov:
Julius watched the soldier leave happy that the nuisance was gone. He went back to eating and chatting aimlessly with his clock's holder. They soon finished the cake and walked towards the door. As he opened the door he looked from the corner of his eye and saw red splattered everywhere. He quickly turned Alice in the other direction, away from what looked like a child would splatter paint on a canvas, before she saw the freshly spilled blood on the brick wall. 'As I thought another life taken, I knew I heard a scream. More work for me. People hate my work, everyone does . . . but her.' Julius looked down at the heart containing girl and smiled endearingly at her. he grabbed her hand and walk to the dress shop.
When they reached the shop Alice headed straight to the frilly dresses. She tried dress after dress showing Julius every single one of them. Julius, though bored, was glad to see the girl happy. Julius looked around the shop while waiting for Alice to get out of the dressing room. He spotted a light lavender dress that was slightly frilled he got up and grabbed the dress then walked back to the dressing room area. When he got back he saw Alice in a red dress that would have made Vivaldi proud. Alice was looking around for something. She turned and saw Julius and relief washed over her face. She gave him a smile, "There you are Julius. I was wondering where you went."
Julius gave a small hint of a smile that he reserved only for her. "I saw this dress, I thought it suited you. Could you try it on?" Julius said in a smooth voice that held a hint of uncertainty. Alice looked at the dress with wide eyes. Julius's clock skipped a tic. 'Does she not like the dress? I'm a guy so I have no idea how girls feel about dresses. Gosh I feel like Ace now.' Julius thought worriedly to himself. Alice walked up to Julius and took the dress from him. "It's beautiful." Alice whispered to where only she and Julius could hear it. Relief could be seen on Julius's face.
Alice walked to the dressing room to put on the dress. When Alice looked in the mirror she couldn't believe her eyes. The other dresses . . . were either too skimpy or too childish. But this . . . this dress was perfect. It showed her slight curves and was the perfect balance of modesty to compliment her. She walked out of the dressing room and walked straight to Julius and hugged the man, shocking him and he held a stiff posture before he realized it was his date. He relaxed and returned the hug.
Alice returned to the dressing room and changed into her clothes. The two walked to the cashier to pay for the dress. Julius walked behind Alice and put something around her thin neck. Alice froze and picked up what was around her neck. She saw a delicate golden crafted clock with wooden Roman Numerals. She looked at Julius and saw that he was watching her intently as if waiting for her reaction. Alice thanked him greatly saying that she loved it. Julius smiled at her. "Where did you get it?" Alice asked him.
This question caused him to blush. "All the roles have certain traditions. The Role of the Guardian of Time has an interesting tradition. The clock maker has to make a watch for the one he wishes to marry. To guard his time with her. To make the watch based on her and his relationship. I intend to marry you if I did not make that clear before that is my proof." Julius said turning to look at her seriously for that last sentence.
Alice looked at Julius in shock. Right when she was about to respond a mob of faceless run through the two and push Julius down grabbing Alice. When Julius gets up he sees Alice gone. Let us say this . . . Julius wasn't happy.
Alice pov:
Alice was being carried away by a mob until she reached the Hatters mansion but when she got there she was filthy. The mob had her crawling in the dirt and bushed into trees and bushes, it was utter chaos. When she made it to the mansion she saw Elliot up front. He pulled her out of the mob. "Alice what the heck were you doing in that mob?!" "I was on a date with Julius and the mob dragged me away." Elliot looked surprised, "You were on a date with the mortician?!" "Yes I was." Elliot got over his shock and asked if Alice wanted a bath to which she responded with an immediate yes.
Alice walked to the girls changing area for a bathing suit and saw that all of them were string bikinis and hardly covered anything. Alice picked the one that covered the most skin, so just barely covered the necessities. It was sky blue with pink poke-a-dots. She walked to the tub and lathered soap all over her arms and legs and washed her long, dirty-blonde hair. She sunk underwater to rinse the shampoo out and right when she rose back above for air she saw the twins. When the twins saw their 'onee-san' in her bikini they were shocked and turned into adults.
They looked at each other than at Alice. Evil smirks twitched onto their near-identical faces. They jumped at Alice causing her to scream. The twins tackled her, being smart enough to keep her above the soapy bath water. Cuddling with her in their barely clothing clad bodies. Suddenly the door slammed open revealing the one and only Blood Dupree. The Mafioso looked with wide eyes at the blonde with a red face and bubbling tears being molested by his gate guards. Blood frowned and sighs at the scene.
"Dee, Dum release her . . . Now." Blood said in a suave yet deadly tone. The boys looked at each other. "I don't want a pay cut, Brother." Dum said to Dee. Dee nodded in agreement and they both let go of Alice and swam out of the water, being sure to swim away from the leader of the Hatter Mafia. Alice let out a breath of relief and thanked Blood. "If you really want to thank me join me for tea." Alice looked at him as if to assure herself that he was serious. "Yes, of course Blood."
Alice got out of the tub and went back to the changing room to go back to redress herself in her clothes. 'I am going to have to clean them when I get back to the tower.' When she got to her clothes she found them clean and looking as if brand new. She was suddenly very happy that she didn't take off the necklace Julius made for her, they probably would have burned it. She redressed and walked out to see Blood waiting at the entrance of the girl's dressing room. "What is it that takes girls so long to dress?" He asked his voice held a mixture of teasing and honest curiosity.
The two walked to his private rose garden and sat at the small silver, dainty looking table. On it was a china tea set that had hand-painted rose designs and gold out-lining. There was sugar being held in a golden cup with a matching milk pitcher next to it. Both took their seats and made small talk and just when Alice was getting comfortable Blood had to shatter her comfort.
"So where did you get that necklace?" Blood asked seriously with a fake light tone, as if he was asking something common like the weather. He was sipping his black tea with closed eyes. Alice looked at him with wide shocked eyes. She was glad she swallowed her tea before he asked that or she would have spewed it all over Blood's neatly pressed white suit.
"Julius . . . gave it to me." She answered hesitantly yet honestly, not sure where the Mafioso was heading with this. "When did the mortician give you that necklace?" "Today." Alice gave her answer in a curt manner wishing the conversation would end then and there. "How did he have the chance to give you the necklace today when he is always working?" Blood asked with curiosity. "He gave it to me during our . . . date." Alice answered hesitantly with her head down and eyes looking up at the intimidating man whose aura visibly darkened. Blood chocked on his tea and coughed behind his gloved hand.
"Tell me, young lady, do you know what that necklace might mean?" Blood asked with tension in his voice. "Yes I do. He told me when I asked him." Blood glared at the girl, "Yet you still wear the necklace. Right after we had a date as well. Had I known you would go for any of us men and wore our mark I would have given you mine but then again I guess you would just agree to any of us. Playing with our clocks to your heart's content. That necklace basically means you are off limits." Blood said tauntingly.
Alice was fuming, "Before I had a chance to respond about this necklace I was dragged away by a mob! And we aren't dating so I wouldn't be cheating so you have no say in the matter!" Alice gave a final huff before getting up and leaving the garden. 'Blood is out of the idea of being my husband. He is way too moody, judgmental, and jumps to conclusions too quickly.' Alice thought to herself when she reached the gates she saw the twins doing their jobs and Elliot watching them. When she walked through the gates the three looked at her. The twins stayed silent, 'I guess Blood had a word with them.'
"Dee, Dum whatever Blood told you. If he said to stay away from me or something along those lines ignore it. Bye Elliot maybe we can talk sometime." Alice said while walking back to the Clock Tower. She felt a hand on her shoulder and saw Elliot behind her. "Umm . . .Alice . . . I-I was wondering i-if you would like to go on a picnic sometime? You know when I have a break or something?" Elliot asked with a blush. Alice nodded her head yes. 'I might as well go on any date I get to help narrow down the decisions. If I get an idea on how dating them would be then I can get an idea on married life with that role-holder is. Now I don't regret saying no to Blood. But maybe I will second guess Ace. It would always be an adventure . . . getting lost.'
Alice was heading back to the tower noticing that it was still daytime, 'This is a long day–time.' She felt a sudden weight hit her side. She turned to see auburn hair. "Peirce!" "Alice I missed you, chu~!" Pierce said hugging the girl tightly snuggling into her side. Pierce got up and grabbed the girl's hand. He dragged her off the walkway and into the forest. Alice took note that he was stronger than he looks. "Pierce, where are you taking me?" Alice questioned the door-mouse. "It's a surprise, chu~." Peirce answered in an excited manner.
Soon they reached a wall of bushes. Pierce moved behind the girl and cover her eyes. Alice stood still from the surprise of Pierce going behind her. Pierce edged her forward. They pushed through the bushes and Alice suddenly saw a field of sunflowers. The bright yellows and oranges blinded her. She felt something ruff hit her head. She touched the top of her head to feel straw. She pulled it off her head to see a woven straw hat on her head that had a sunflower woven into it.
Alice looked at Pierce and asked him why he gave her the hand woven head piece. "It is very hot here and I don't want you to burn." He said innocently with an honest smile, with teeth as white as marble. Alice looked at him and a small smile graced her lips before she turned to look back at the flower field. She turned to Pierce again, "Thank you Pierce for showing me this but I really have to head back to the Tower." The time Period changed to evening. Pierce nodded and led her back to the path, he even showed her a shortcut that worked. 'Unlike Ace's shortcuts.'
When Alice got to the Tower she slowly opened the door encase Julius fell asleep at the desk. She looked to her side and saw a wide eyed Julius. Julius suddenly got up and walked to the young foreigner. He pulled her into his arms. Happy and relieved that she was safe. "J-Ju-Julius y-you are s-suf-suffocating me!" Alice rasped through her lips. Julius loosened his grip but didn't release the girl. "We still have to finish our date."
Alice looked up at the man that muttered that sentence. 'He wasn't done with the date? I thought that since I was kidnaped by a mob that it would be over. I wonder what he still has planned.' Alice thought silently and nodded her head so Julius would know that they could finish the date that was, oh so, important to him.
Julius grabbed her hand and started walking through the tower. "Where did you get that hat?" Julius asked her in a monotone voice, not wanted to give suspicions away. "Pierce gave it to me. On my way back to the tower he ran into me. He showed me a beautiful sunflower field and gave me this hat. He said it was to protect me from the sun." Julius nodded.
'Could that be something the sleepy-mouse role has as a tradition? I will look it up later. Maybe I should look up the other role-holders too. We are almost there.' Julius thought silently and seriously to himself. He then moved behind Alice putting her left hand in his larger left hand. He covered both her large blue eyes with his right hand. He walked the last few steps to the door.
He pushed the door open with his back then turned both of them around to face what was on the opposite sides of the door. He slowly removed his right hand from Alice's eyes. Alice stared in wonder at the scene in front of her.
Before her lays a various shades of blue plaid blanket. Spread over the clod stones that make the roof of the tower. On the blanket lay covered plates and a chandelier that has yet to be lit. Alice looked at Julius in shock that he went to so much effort for their date. 'Maybe too much effort. Is he hiding something?' Alice thought before walking to the blanket, letting go of the navy-eyed man's hand.
The two sat down and Julius lit the chandelier, the flames starting to melt the cream colored wax. Julius uncovered the food for Alice to see steam coming of the chicken breast and asparagus and baked potato on the side. Alice to a bite of the chicken surprised to see that it tasted rich and flavorful. The two ate in a comfortable silence.
Alice looked at the setting sun surprised to see the time period change to night right before her eyes. Julius stood to the side soaking in her expression, the content on her face change to wonder and surprise only to settle on a slight smile. He stood up and held a large, nimble fingered hand out to her. She looked up at him in confusion. "It's late and you had an eventful day. We didn't get to do as much as I thought." Alice grabbed his had to get help standing up. "So maybe we could have another date soon?" Julius finished.
'He wants to go on another date? Not normal for Julius.' Alice thought while nodding her head yes, to confirm having another date. Julius and Alice got ready for bed. While Julius was getting ready for bed Alice snuck of to her room. When she reached her room she immediately lied down and drifted off to sleep.
Nightmare's pov:
Nightmare helped Alice fall asleep quicker so he could get what he wanted done quicker. He read through the memories of her time since their last meeting. 'That sly freaking Hatter! Take her on a date, and spill drinks on her, and then propose. In such a cheesy, predictable way too, couldn't even think up a unique way either. And Julius you really stepped up. Took her on a date and lose her to a mob. Real responsible. The way you said you were serious in marrying her was to unemotional or to pressing. I could—'
Nightmare stopped his thoughts and Alice's memories short. He face palmed. 'I am a dream demon and I didn't think of this sooner. I could read into her mind to find and set the perfect way to propose to her. That could get me some points.' Nightmare looked into the girl's thoughts and eventually found the perfect way to propose in no time.
Turns out the foreigner is a romantic big time. 'And girls call us stereotypes for saying they like this stuff.' Nightmare set the scene before summoning the girl from her slumber to his dream realm. The girl appeared and looked around the scene crystal blue that seem to be entranced in the scene the incubus created.
A small marble gazebo with the purest green vines wrapping around it in winding patterns. Crimson red roses that could have been died in blood. The gazebo was the only dry area for a light spring rain shower was occurring outside on the small emerald green grassland. Alice looked at Nightmare curiosity peaked but suspicion filled her thoughts.
Nightmare just walked, well floated, to stand next to Alice and stare out at the rain, to watch the sky cry its tears. For what felt like hours the two stared. Alice was so engrossed that she never felt Nightmare sneak his hand into her hand and entwine their fingers. She didn't notice until he brought her hand up to his lips to kiss the golden ring with a clear diamond the size of her ring-finger nail.
Alice had wide eyes seeing the ring. Nightmare whispered two simple words while staring into her eyes. "Marry me," Alice couldn't tell if he was asking or saying it like a comment or order. All Alice knew was that this was that this was the proposal she had always dreamed of since she was a young little girl. Alice woke up then leaving Nightmare holding air where her left hand was once in his.
Ace pov:
Ace had gotten lost again and had finally made it to the tower only to get lost in the tower while looking for his best friend. Ace walked down several corridors and heard someone suck in a heavy breath. 'Since I am a knight I shall help whoever is in trouble.' Ace thought. Then he looked in every direction. 'Now where did that sound come from?' Ace thought this while scratching his forehead. Ace shrugged and looked in every door.
Ace finally found the door and was surprised to see Alice. Alice noticed him and gave a scream from being frightened. "Ace what are you doing here?" Alice questioned him when she noticed who it was at her door. "Well, I got lost in the Tower looking for Julius and heard someone in trouble. Soooo, I looked around encase anyone needed help. Turns out it came from your room." Ace finished his explanation.
Alice sighed, 'Typical Ace gets lost. Well, he cared enough to look for the person who needed help.' The two talked and talked until Ace commented on her relationship status. "So, did you pick a guy yet?" "No . . . not yet I am trying to narrow down my choices." "I am surprised that you didn't pick Julius yet, you two seem close." Ace said this with a wide, white smile. Alice looked at him long and hard, scrutinizing him.
"Why is your smile fake?" Ace's smile falters for a split second, his eyes widen for an even shorter amount of time. "What are you talking about?" Ace tried to elude the girl, make her think that she was imaging his smile being fake.
"Ace your smile is fake. You aren't happy so stop trying to fool me with it. What is wrong?" Alice reasoned with the directionally hindered man, being sure to lead him in the right direction. Ace sighed, "I . . . I also want to win that heart of yours. I just feel that I have no chance." Alice was shocked by the honesty in his voice. "Ace you do have a chance."
The two eventually made it to Julius's work room. Their conversation stayed their conversation. The two told no one but Ace had a real smile on his face.
~Time skip to day of Spring Festival~
Julius pov:
Julius changed into the same suit he wore to the Castle's party early in Alice's game. His hair was pulled back into a neat pony tail with a silk, golden ribbon. He heard the clacking of heals on the cold stone floor and looked up from adjusting the glove's on his hand.
Alice looked beautiful in the dress he picked out for her. The lavender making her face seem gentle and blue eyes calm. He looked away once he realized he was staring at the astonishing beauty that was Alice. Both were blushing from embarrassment.
But Julius noticed two things before he looked away. One was that the necklace he made for Alice lay above her chest. This made the shut in overjoyed. The second thing he noticed made him not so happy. A polished golden band with a diamond among the top of it. "What is that?" He questioned Alice uneasily.
Alice raised a dainty eyebrow at the clockmaker to show her confusion. Julius closed his eyes, pinched the top of his nose, and he sighed. "The ring." He forced himself to answer her unvoiced question. Alice's eyes widened and she looked at the ring, shocked that it was really there. 'Nightmare was serious about me marrying him?'
"Nightmare . . . proposed to me last night." Alice answered the clockmaker. She saw Julius narrow his eyes but that is all he gave away. 'That's all? Not even a comment? Is he angry, jealous? Or is this just a hindrance to him?' Alice's thoughts stopped short when Julius grabbed her hand and walked out of the Clock Tower's front entrance.
The two walked down the dirt paved road. Julius made sure to be holding her right hand. That he had not grabbed the hand that held the engagement ring that came from the incubus. 'How did he propose to her?' That had been the one thought that flitted through his head the entire way to the Spring Festival. 'At least she is my date and not his, nor anyone else's.' He thought when he reached the iron gates of the Hatter mansion, coated in daisies and pansies, and no twins in sight, of course.
The two sat at one of the many scattered, round tables. A faceless waiter served the two iced, lemon water. The two drank slowly. Julius tired of the uncomfortable tension between them, knowing it was hindering to his proposal decided to end it. "You look beautiful in the dress." Alice jumped at the sudden words from Julius. "Thank you," this was all she managed to say before Blood came over and dragged her away from the now brooding Julius.
Blood pov:
"Alice, are you enjoying the festival?" Blood asked the said girl sweetly. Blood handed the girl a cup of black tea that matched his. "Yes, Blood, I am." Alice answered hesitantly; unsure about Blood's out of character kindness. His words were coated in a too sweet tone. "Have you decided on the answer to my proposal?" "Yes, I have decided." "Well, when should we plan the date?" Blood responded confidently, sure no positive that it was a yes.
"I chose no Blood." Alice said, annoyed he assumed a yes. Blood's confident smile dropped immediately. His eyes glared right at the girl as if to pierce her, oh so wanted, foreign heart. "Why would you say no?" Blood force the words from pressed lips.
"You are way too moody, and judgmental, and jump to conclusions too quickly. It must always be your way. You would probably question me every time I would speak to another role-holder if we were married." Alice answered calmly to the angry leader of the Hatter Mafia.
Blood saw Peter walking towards the two of them. His anger, though he looked as calm as tea makes the soul, flared upon seeing the nuisance. His grip on his delicate teacup tightened, though the cup did not crack.
Peter pov:
Peter was looking around the Festival for the love of his life. He wanted to have a dance with her or to just speak with her, anything as long as he had her attention. Peter finally spotted her but was talking to that annoying Hatter. Peter walked up to her, "Alice my dear, please quench my fears. I wish for a dance, with you. Just one, I shall promise you, that if you say 'no', I shan't raise a gun." Peter asked with pleasing eyes, attempting not to hug his dear Alice.
Alice looked from Peter to Blood whom she was conversing with. "Can I think about it?" Alice answered wondering if there was a motive behind asking her to dance. When Peter saw her hesitate with the idea of dancing with him he turned himself into his rabbit form. His snow-white fluffy tailed rabbit with big crimson red eyes. He widened these eyes and leaned his ears back to give the full effect, "Pwease?" Alice stepped back from Peter's increasingly cute rabbit form.
The Hatter chuckled in a mocking tone at the scene. Both the foreigner and the Prime minister turned towards the Mafioso. Alice put her hands on her small hips that looked enhanced a bit by the lavender dress, and raised a blonde eyebrow. "What?" The girl questioned the coal-black haired man. Peter looked annoyed and twitched his pale-pink rabbit nose.
"It seems the Prime Minister is so desperate for a lady's attention he is willing to switch into a pathetic rabbit form. Tch, seems that you are just another petty wisher for a whore's attention." Blood spoke snidely, still angry from his and Alice's confrontation.
Alice's anger peeked. She handed Blood the cup of tea and turned he back to the man. Alice picked up the white rabbit and spoke loud enough to be heard by the fuming Hatter. "Peter, I would love to dance with you. More than once if you want to." Peter was overjoyed with this and was thanking the girl repeatedly.
Alice pov:
The two danced several times until Peter felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked over his shoulder to see a wine-red haired man. 'Joker.' The name went through Alice's head. "May I have a dance with the lady?" White Joker asked politely. Peter knowing that he has to let go of Alice's hand. Joker stepped up to Alice and grabbed her hand in his. He held the two in the slow dance position.
As the two, three(?), dance they talked. "How is the situation? You must be stresses." White spoke calmly to the girl. "Yes I am a bit stressed from everything. I will say that is a bit difficult to narrow down the list." "How far are you with the deductions?" Joker asked curious and hoping he wasn't on the list. He hasn't had much time to woo the girl.
"Well Vivaldi is a no because I don't like girls. The twins are to you and in their adult form act like perverted twins, and Blood. Don't get me started on him!" Alice said a bit peeved at the last part. Black Joker gave relieved sigh, through the mask because he stayed behind to watch the prison and circus, happy that they weren't on the list. White Joker gave a small chuckle at the cute look on her face that she had when annoyed.
"You seemed stressed again, Miss Alice." White began. "Why not come to the circus again?" Joker asked in union, as one person. Alice thought a moment and remembered how much fun she had the last time she went. "Yes! I would love too." Joker smiled and let her go. "Seems that someone wishes to dance with you." White Joker stated.
The second the Joker was out of sight Boris grabbed her in a hug. Alice looked at him and squirmed in his hug. Boris sighed and released the girl posing Alice once again to dance. 'Now I am glad I wore smaller shoes than last time. My feet only hurt a little.'
"How have you been Alice?" The pink cat asked her out of the curiosity that came naturally to him. "I have been a bit over whelmed but well. How about you Boris?" "Great! But I have been looking for you the past few days and couldn't find you so I was worried. I am glad that you are okay though!" Boris answered happily but muttered out the part about looking for her. Alice heard all of it though and was happy that he was concerned about her. "Hey Alice?" "Hmm, yes Boris?" "Will you go on another date with me?"
XxXxXxX
R.I.P Soldier Number Seven
Okay important Author Notes first then questions!
One: I am personally finding this very time consuming and feel as if I am unfair with the large hiatus between updates. So I want to end the story soon. As I believe I mentioned before no more bringing characters back into the playing for her heart. The sooner I finish this the better. I have other stories I want to begin. I make an Uta no Prince-sama story now and want to give that effort. I am publishing it today I made it and typed already.
Also sorry if some characters were out of character. I felt that maybe Julius was a bit out of character.
Also to make up for the long absence I spent two weeks making this chapter. Also it's 16 pages long!
Question time~
Does Alice say yes to a date with Boris? If so where does he take her?
Where does Elliot take her for their date?
What does Julius find out about certain traditions for certain roles?
Eliminations (my favorite part!): Who shall lose the game?
Boris
Elliot
Julius
Double Eliminations! Yes a second one will leave!
Pierce
Gray
Please note to only pick one person from each set!