On Halloween night, a quiet chill filled the air as branches outside swayed in the breeze, whispering secrets that lent a touch of mystery to the evening. The flames in the fireplace danced joyfully, casting a warm glow across the room.
Tarrant and Alice sat by the fire, wrapped in the same thick blanket. Alice held a cup of hot tea, warmth spreading from her palms to soothe her slight chill. Leaning into Tarrant's warm embrace, she felt his heartbeat slowly sync with hers, and a gentle smile played on her lips as she spoke softly to him.
Tarrant, with one arm around her, supported himself with the other. Maybe he was too comfortable, for his eyelids grew heavier until he drifted off to sleep amid Alice's murmurs, his quiet snores filling the room. Noticing he'd fallen asleep, Alice paused, looking up to study his face. His features, outlined by the firelight, were softened and charming, his clean-shaven chin showing a hint of ruggedness.
Setting her tea aside, curiosity took over, and she gently touched his chin, feeling its faintly rough texture. Closing her eyes, she traced his facial contours, lingering along his strong jawline.
A warm sensation from above interrupted her—Tarrant had woken up and leaned down to plant a soft kiss on her. Alice wrapped her arms around his neck, a giggle slipping from her lips, their playfulness and affection evident.
Tarrant gently leaned her down onto the blanket, his eyes filled with teasing warmth. Their lips met again, this time in a deeper kiss, and their breathing gradually harmonized. Just then, a rapid knock came at the door.
Tarrant paused, chuckling wryly as he got up to open it. Standing outside were the Tweedles, dressed as frightful little monsters. Tweedledee was wrapped in strips of cloth like a mummy, with a few tattered bandages dangling, posing like a zombie; while Tweedledum wore a ragged white sheet, his eyes blackened, and moaning, "Ooooh—Trick or treat!" Tarrant laughed out loud at the sight.
"Happy Halloween, Tweedles!" he said, handing them some carrot cake that Sachry had prepared. Tweedledee skipped away happily, while Tweedledum stayed to pull a spooky face at the door.
After they left, Tarrant closed the door, and Alice hugged him from behind, looking up with a hopeful gaze, "Tarrant, I want to go get candy too!"
Tarrant raised a brow, "What do you want to be?"
"Absolutely the Mad Hatter!" Alice grinned mischievously, pointing to his signature hat.
Feigning confusion, Tarrant teased, "What about me? I can't be Alice."
Alice's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You could be the Cheshire!" Tarrant, thrilled by the idea, started helping her dress up. He chose his own clothes for her and set his iconic hat on her head. Alice slipped into his coat, the oversized sleeves hanging off her slender wrists, making her look both adorable and playful.
Seeing her in his clothes, Tarrant's cheeks flushed red, like a ripe apple, while Alice nonchalantly adjusted the coat and mimicked his signature pose, making Tarrant laugh.
With their costumes ready, they headed out to join Wonderland's Halloween festivities. As soon as they stepped out, the Cheshire Cat appeared before them, grinning as he morphed into Tarrant's likeness—red hair, eccentric attire, pale skin—the resemblance uncanny. With a comical expression, he waved to the children around them, suggesting, "Who is the real Hatter?"
The children gathered around, eyeing Tarrant and the Cheshire Cat as both struck exaggerated poses, tempting everyone to guess. Tarrant playfully shook his coat sleeve, casting a disdainful glance at the Cheshire Cat. "Who would guess wrong? Of course, I am the Mad Hatter!" The Cheshire Cat smirked, winking in challenge, making Alice and the children burst into laughter.
Then, Wonderland's children gathered in a circle, dancing to the music. Tarrant and Alice joined in, twirling hand in hand, their eyes locked on each other.
After they tired out, they continued toward the heart of Wonderland. In the square, residents had set up stalls, some selling pumpkin treats and others displaying enchanted trinkets, the air sweet with the scent of candy.
Tarrant and Alice boldly approached the booths of the White Queen and the Red Queen, flashing hopeful expressions for candy. Tarrant even bowed grandly, saying with a grin, "Your Majesty… Trick or treat!"
The White Queen chuckled at his antics, handing them a generous handful of sweets and wishing them a happy holiday. The Red Queen, raising a brow with a hint of sternness, feigned reluctance, saying, "Only by acting like the real Mad Hatter and his Alice can you earn my reward!"
Without missing a beat, Tarrant wrapped an arm around Alice's waist, striking an exaggerated expression. "Oh! My Alice!" Alice played along, responding, "Oh! My Hatter!" They put on a comical show in perfect harmony, making the Red Queen laugh until she finally handed them a special Halloween pumpkin candy.
With candy in hand, they bowed deeply to thank the queens before holding hands again to join friends dancing in the Halloween night of Wonderland.