Are you the dreamer….

The Hatter always had a hundred thoughts rattling around in the loose screws of his clockwork mind. Now of course was no different. Only this time he had a hundred thoughts of just one subject matter...Alice.

He plunged though the dresser mirror and was back in Wonderland as his feet hit the rough cobblestone path.  He made his way quickly to his home and was far to preoccupied to notice a rather large white blur headed straight for him. As he walked his long leg abruptly hit something soft as he stumbled over into the grass.

"What the...?!?!"  He yelped, as something was moving under his legs. The Hatter  lifted one up and noticed the White Rabbit had made the dreadful mistake of getting in his way.

The poor disheveled rabbit quickly placed his hat, which was now crushed and torn over his long ears and checked his oversized pocket watch. "Are you late for a date, too?" He huffed and quickly stuffed the clock into his suit's pocket. He really was.

The Hatter sat up and shook his head at the question. "No, I’m not la-.." He paused and placed a gloved hand on his head and winced. "My hat!" Turning in a complete circle he noticed it lodged in a nearby bush and snatched it up. He checked each stitch and doted over it carefully to make sure it wasn’t creased...more. "Oh..Hello Rabbit." He said half heartedly, not even fully acknowledging the fact that he nearly killed the poor bunny. "No, I’m not late just preoccupied." He said and dusted the brim of his hat off. "I just came from Alice’s world."

The long eared creature raised a brow and looked up at the Hatter. "You are spending far too much time in that reality, aren't you?" He questioned the tall man with suspicion. "It's not healthy to lose yourself there. Even Alice had been in an asylum and she’s not even from Wonderland. Imagine what they will do to you if they realize just how mad you are."

Richard just grinned down at him. "Hehe! They wont." He leaned closer. "They think I’m a doctor there." He winked. "Besides no one ever sees me." He paused and rubbed his chin. "Well, just her aunt. And those people at the party. And that Simon pest. But that’s all!"

The Rabbit just chuckled albeit a bit concerned. The mad man was probably making things up from his mind as usual. Nothing to really be worried about..right? "You shouldn't get involved with those people, Hatter." He then wiggled the long whiskers on his nose out of curiosity. "And just where were you going? Most likely something to do with hats or tea perhaps? And speaking of hats.” He huffed and thumped his long foot on the path and tapped his sad looking black hat. “That little romp headfirst down the path just now ruined my currant one.. Since you stepped on me."

"I did?" Richard blinked and didn’t even remember doing so. He leaned way over and looked at his hat taking it off from between the long peach fuzz white ears.."Hmm...I can make a new one of course." He stared at it for a few moments, taking measurements in his head. Hat making was one of the few things he could focus on with little effort. The other two were indeed his tea...and Alice? Wait. "Alice!! Oh yes, yes! Rabbit! I need you to do something for me!" The Mad Hatter said as he crouched down grabbing the rabbit by his waistcoat.

The White Rabbit just raised a brow and looked up at him carefully. "What may it be?" It was rare of the Hatter to ask for a favor. And it had something to do with Alice? The stately looking rodent  could tell there was something weird about this situation.

The Hatter pulled a piece of paper out of his vest and scrawled something on it. "I need you to take this to the Elder who lives near the Village. I need him and his little cronies to make me something. Tell them to put a rush on it! I need to for tonight. Its important!" He said with urgency in his voice as he folded the paper and handed it to him. "You’re the fastest creature in Wonderland. So, please?" He stared down at him with large puppy dog yellow eyes. Or at least the best he could muster. Actually he only managed to look like a sick walrus.

The Rabbit stared at the paper and grinned at the Mad Hatter. "Indeed." Then lowered his long ears. "This seems like your maddest plan." Not even waiting for the answer, he ran away with a nice speed. The Hat Maker should really lose his head completely to request such a thing. But since it was for Alice… "Ill expect a new hat when we meet again!" He called back as he darted out of sight.

"Perhaps it is. And you’ll have it!" Richard yelled after him and then rubbed his hands and continued to his cottage. He had many other plans to make before he could return that evening!

As darkness fell the Cat was lying on her bed grooming his ears when he sighed. He had no idea what the Hatter was up to this time but by the way he ran out, it wasn’t going to be anything good.

The dinner was silent, but good. Anna was happy about the result of Alice's big mission in the attic. Everywhere was pretty clean now. Tomorrow... her new task would be the basement.

Alice finally returned to her bedroom and lay beside the cat, not even taking off her boots. She was deadly exhausted. As her eyes started to close, her mind was almost slipping into dreams. Time passed, as the night grew darker. The mirror above her dresser rippled as the Hatter emerged and stepped into her world. The tall form sat on her bed and stared down at her as she slept before something soft and fragrant tickled her nose.

The sleeping Alice didn't wince at first, but then she moved her face away to avoid that touch. "Hnn... " Every muscle in her body was aching. She didn't even get this tired in her little journey to Wonderland when she was in the asylum.

The tall clockwork madman grinned as he lifted up her hand and gently kissed her fingers. "..Alice...Allliiceeee"

The Goth frowned a bit, and then opened her eyes slowly. "I'm too tired, Richard." She mumbled sleepily. "And you didn't even help me at all."

Richard smiled down at her. "Yes, I know and I am sorry I had to run. But you need to come with me right now." He stood up and pulled her by her hand a little. "Its important Alice."

The young woman sighed softly and then pushed herself on her elbows. "Alright..." She said, rubbing her eyes with her knuckles. "I hope it is. If not... You'll pay for waking me up." She then pushed the covers off and looked at him. "What is it?"

The Hatter smiled and pulled a large bouquet of tiger lilies from behind his back and placed it on her stomach. "You’ll see." He said and slid his arms under her picking her up gently.

Alice looked at the flowers with a smile on her face. He was being too nice lately and she couldn't say it was bad. "Where are we going?" She whispered into his ear, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Richard walked towards the mirror. "Wonderland. Where else? He gave a sly smile. "Hang on to me."

"Alright." She purred and held him closer. Maybe he really did have a surprise for her? And this time it wouldn't be something perverted... she hoped.

The Hatter then reached into the mirror as they vanished into a bright swirl of light. The cat that was sleeping opened one eye and sighed. "I really hope he doesn’t do anything stupid." He purred before going back to sleep.

Alice was running a gentle hand in the soft blond mess during their journey. For some reason she liked to touch him. It always felt warm and it was something she desired since her innocent childhood dreams. She would never imagine it would grow with time and become something this big... And maybe obsessed. Nuzzling to his neck playfully, she finally woke fully from her dreams. But was this a dream as well? She remembered being asked that once before. Am I the dreamer, or part of someone else’s dream?

Richard smiled as he walked, his clockwork legs making a slight squeak with each footstep. The gear on his back ticked softly like a soothing alarm clock. But he didn’t turn towards his cottage. But walked past it, and continued deeper into the Tulgy woods.

Alice was curious as to just where they were going, if it wasn’t to his home. "Where are you taking me?" She asked curiously. "I hope not to the Tweedles?"

The Hatter grinned with a hint of evil in his eyes. "You’ll seeeeee.." He said in a singsong voice as the sound of rushing water was heard in the distance.

The Goth sighed and nodded. Then she pecked a sweet kiss on his neck. She couldn't deny the fact she was quite excited and curious about his surprise. She hoped it wouldn't be about him holding her skirt up and peeking at her bunny underwear. But somehow Richard seemed more serious than that.

As they walked the trees grew thinner and a clearing opened ahead of them. The grand Pool of Tears came into view. It was once a testimonial to all of the anguish in Alice’s heart, as the tall stone statue of her cried into the pool causing it to churn into a deadly rapid. But now it was a beautiful shimmering lake with her lovely likeness watching over it.

Alice glanced around and raised a brow. "Are we going to swim?" Then she shook her head. "I haven't brought my swim suit." When she saw the statue of hers, she just smiled sadly. It reminded her of many dark things. But everything was better in Wonderland now...especially the Hatter.

He shook his head with a small grin as the image of her in a swim suit couldn’t help but creep in there. "No..I just wanted to uh..sit..with you.." He smiled and set her down on a flat rock overlooking the pool. He seemed to be getting more nervous by the second as he sat next to her.

The Goth blushed a bit and nodded. "That is a cute idea." Yes, Richard was being quite sweet lately. Was it because of what happened in the attic? When he sat beside her, she took his hand in hers and pecked another kiss on his cheek.

The Hatter blushed a hue of moss green and all but giggled as he pulled at the collar of his shirt. "Alice...There is another reason why I brought you out here.."

She raised a brow and smiled sweetly at him. "What may it be?" She asked with a soft tone, watching the poor clockwork man sweating and blushing. He was always shy over her and that was so very cute.

The Mad Hatter coughed a little. "Well it’s just.... We’ve gone though a lot together. And after all that has transpired between us. I was thinking perhaps..we..uh..need to escalate things..a tad.." He stammered and looked down at her out of the corner of his eyes.

That pulled out a really curious sound from her. "Oh..." She nodded, smiling. "And how do we do that?" She asked, binding her hands on her lap and blushed a bit.

"Well..I think for one. You should come to live with me here. In Wonderland.." He said and folded his arms with a slight huff.

Alice just stared at him. "Live with you?" Did he really just ask her that? She had to admit, going to live with the Hatter did have a certain appeal. But she couldn't leave her auntie without giving any particular reason. "I'm not sure if the local residents would accept me after what happened." The innocent girl just looked down to her feet and rubbed her pink cheeks. "It was my fault Wonderland became that nightmare after all."

Richard paused and looked down at her. "Of course they would! You saved them...s-saved us all. He smiled. "You broke Wonderland. And then fixed it with one brave attempt." He glanced away and rubbed the back of his head.

The Mad Hatter's offer was something she had never thought he would ask. "But tell me... Why should I live with you?" She raised a brow and looked at his face shyly.

"Why?..But..I thought...You knew..?" He said tugging on his large bow tie. A bead of sweat rolled down his long nose.

That made Alice think silently over what he said. Well... They were friends all right, more than just friends. Richard was her very first love interest. And... She shook her head. "I'm not sure what I do know." She chuckled a bit nervously. Why was he taking her here at this hour of the night and asking weird questions? This was giving her butterflies in her stomach. Something she had never felt before.

The Hatter swallowed a little. He already said he loved her once. Now she wanted him to do it again? It was hard enough the first time. He gripped his pant leg getting more and more nervous by the moment. Time himself seemed to slow down to nothing. His own gear sounded like an ax blade clanging against a blunt anvil with each tick as it slowed and threatened to stop.

She noticed how he was sweating and his gear running slower than usual. Was something wrong with him? Placing a hand on his forehead, she checked his temperature. "Richard, are you alright?" She whispered into his ear, then pecking a kiss on his cheek. Then she remembered how similar he was acting back in her bedroom, when she used to tease him just to make him squirm. But she wasn't trying to tease him now. So what was happening?

Richard suddenly looked down at her and took her hand from his forehead and held it. "No. I’m f-fine.." He said and gave a rather fake grin "Well! I guess I should take you home, Hmm? It’s getting late. I just wanted to uh..to..To show you the lake! How pretty it is now." He said holding out his free arm towards the placid still waters.

Not letting his hand go, Alice had no choice but to nod. This didn't make any sense whatsoever. But he was the Mad Hatter after all. And as such he wasn’t always clear in his motives. She sighed and stood up with him as they made their way back towards the clearing. The little Goth couldn't help but snuggle against his side to protect herself from the cool air. She had to admit the pool was lovely. But couldn’t help but wonder if he had something else on his mind.

He did indeed, something very important. But every time he came close to mutter even a syllable...he’d lose his courage. Perhaps it really was nothing but a dream to go unfulfilled. The cold night air didn’t bother him but it was a good excuse to snuggle closer to Alice. They soon came to the entrance to her world and stopped. "Well...Goodnight Alice.." He said with a tint of sadness in his voice.

"Goodnight, Richard." She said softly and smiled. For some reason she couldn't figure out his actions, and she had no idea what was passing in his mind. But it was making him act very strange. She hoped that he would tell her, eventually. Rising up on her toes to reach him, she held onto his shoulders and pressed her lips against his. And then she walked into the mirror and disappeared from his sight.

Richard was taken by surprise at the kiss and smiled and leaned down to press even closer. But all to soon it was over, and she was gone. He sighed and reached into his vest and pulled out a small velvet box and opened it. He stared at its contents for a long moment and then sighed slipping it back into his pocket. He slowly lowered his head as his hat tilted enough to cover his eyes as he stood there..alone.

The cat lay on her bed and peeked an eye open as she returned. Was the Hatter’s “surprise” over already?

The dark haired girl changed into her nightgown and slipped into her bed once more after a moment. She was still trying to think over what all this meant. But she couldn't come up with any conclusions. Aside from the small love triangle between herself, the Hatter and poor Simon, she had no experiences with relationships. For a time she never even thought she was even going to have one. Everything she was feeling was new with the green skinned man. And now... She was clueless. Emerald eyes were staring at the ceiling and she couldn't sleep.

The Cat who was back in his normal form watched her with a grin on his face. Not because he was happy, just curious. "So? What was the surprise?" He purred.

Alice gave a sad sigh and shook her head. "He showed me the lake." And that was really a silly reason to wake her up at this hour and take her to Wonderland. "Something is really wrong with this." She sighed once more.

The Cat blinked at her. "That’s all?.."  Coward. He thought as a back leg came up and scratched his ear.

"Did I do something to hurt him?" She asked. Why was it so important she come live with him? Maybe he didn’t trust her anymore after that incident with Simon. He was worried shed run off on him. He did after all have a rather vicious jealous streak. But even so, she cant just up and vanish from her world..her life.. because of his lack of trust. Then a terrible thought came to her. What if she said no? Does that mean he wont want to see her again..at all? The very idea made her heart sink as she glanced over at the skinny feline.

"I wouldn’t worry Alice." The cat said as his thin dry tail swished the air. "I doubt you did anything at all. He is just merely being an idiot.."

The gothic girl didn't know what to do at this point. All she could manage was a single nod as she curled up in bed, feeling almost cold. But she was scared... Scared of losing him.

The Cat sighed and knew the Hatter was just being foolish. His cowardice was apparent and he was risking Alice's health! Padding over he curled around her feet to keep her warm

After fighting with bad thoughts for an hour, Alice finally began to drift off. It was restless, but sleep finally caught up with her. Her dream... No her nightmare was quite scary. She saw the face of a woman she hadn't seen since the battle with the Naaxia. Pale skin, cherry lips and a tattoo on the forehead. She certainly knew that woman. But, why couldn't she recall her name? When she reached a hand close to the figure in her dream, she was met with hate filled red irises. She sat up with a start and stayed frozen for a long moment. Her nightgown was itching all over from perspiration, and she wanted a bath. But the strange feeling from the dream stayed with her.

The Cat peeked an eye open and jumped a little at the look on Alice's face as she sat up from the bad dream. She looked like..someone else for a moment. "Alice?.." He asked with caution. "Are you feeling ill this morning?" The Cheshire said wondering if the Hatters little jaunt into the wilderness last night gave her a chill.

The brunette pushed herself out of the bed, heading to the bathroom. "No, I'm alright." She turned on the faucet to the hot water and found herself staring into the tub as it started to fill. Her eyes were transfixed as the reflection of her was rippling and turning to something she wasn't. Or perhaps..someone. Her worries over the Mad Hatters behavior was beginning to bring more then just doubt to the surface as she slipped off her nightgown sank into the bubbly water. Leaning back, she could feel her inner voice was almost silenced. For some reason she couldn't take her eyes away from all to familiar reflection in the water. Holding her breath she slowly sank beneath the surface. The hot water was certainly making her feel better and better.

It was then the mirror above the sink rippled as the Hatter's head came through it! For some reason the portal had led him here instead of her dresser as his head hit the frame shoving his hat down over his eyes. "Alice?!" He growled pulling at the brim as his gear hit the oval frame over and over. "Alice?! Where are you?" His hand padded the sink blindly. "Why does your dresser have faucets?" He managed to pull his tall checkered hat off with a sharp yank, and dusted the back of his hand over the brim before setting it back on his head. "About time..Now..." The Hatter looked around seeing all white tile as his eyebrows knotted. "Did you redecorate?" He then looked down at the tub and the submerged girl, who had yet to come up for air. "What?..Alice?...Alice!"

When she sensed someone in her bathroom, Alice curiously poked her head out of the water. "Richard?" She gasped and her face turned all red covering her upper body with crossed arms. "What are you doing here!?"

The Hatter blinked at her. And for once he was innocent. "I have no idea. I came to see you and I was meaning to arrive in your room as always." He smiled a bit lecherous seeing her covered in bubbles. "I guess it changed its mind.."

The young woman flushed and looked at him curiously. "You're still a perverted man." She huffed and raised her hand towards him. "May you hand me my towel?"

Richard smiled and propped his chin on his hand.."Oh I don't know Alice. I rather like seeing you this way.." He grinned wide. "Last time was so fleeting.."

Her cheeks were a deep tone of pink and this was... embarrassing. "Stop saying such things!" She sighed and made sure the bubbles and the water were covering her up fully. "Peeking is not something you should be proud of." She huffed.

Richard chuckled and held his hand over his eyes again. "Alight alright..Dont be angry.." He snickered and tossed her a nearby towel. "I’m not proud of it...completely.."

Taking the towel and waiting him to cover his eyes, Alice stood up and wrapped the thick fabric around her body tightly. She was still pondering... if anything was really wrong with him. Stepping out of the tub, she headed to her dresser. "Richard..." She called his name softly.

Richard peeked an eye open at her though his fingers. "Yesss?" He said wondering if she was going to let him peek fully.

Picking a blue dress from the dresser, she placed it on the bed and then sighed. She was looking quite pale without her usual make-up especially after the restless night. Still wrapped in nothing but the towel from the bathroom. "You won't be leaving me, will you?" She finally asked with a sad tone. The Mad Hatter's short attention span was quite famous. What if he finally lost his interest in her?

Richard at last found the portal to her dresser as he popped out about halfway and blinked at her in mild shock. He held onto the top of the dresser with both hands. "Leaving you?" He glanced away for a moment. "Do you want me to leave?" He asked meekly turning his head back at her.

That was certainly not an answer for her question. So Alice locked him in her curious gaze and waited until he gave a full answer.

The Hatter tilted his head and stepped inside of her room fully and fixed his tie. This was it! There was no going back now. If she really did want him to go then so be it. But not before he said what he needed to say! He had to be forthright and just say it! If she says no then he can whimper like a small child. He took in a sharp breath and stood straight as a board and walked right up to her. "Alice!" He said taking her hand.."I need to..uh..ask you ...something.." He said feeling his throat go dry.

Alice raised a brow curiously at him, letting him take her hand. But she had to be careful to grip her towel with her free hand, so the pervert wouldn't try to pull it away as a bad joke. Water was dripping from her hair and her skin was cooling. "What is it, Richard?"

The Mad Hatter who would usually be gaping at her naked form wrapped so lovingly in a towel. Could think of nothing else but the question at the front of his mind that was taking up all of his attention. He had to ask her and ask her now before his madness makes him forget. He slowly sunk to one knee putting him eye level with her. He slipped the velvet box out of his pocket once more. "Alice...would you....uh.." He sweated as his gear sped up. "..Become my w-wife?" He snapped the box open and inside was a silver ring in the shape of a teapot, and in its center was a glowing opal like stone. Hand cut from the Elder himself. A note from a certain white rabbit was enough to speed up a custom order.

Alice, who was now looked down into his yellow irises carefully tried to understand what he really meant. Her lips were parted as a silent gasp and her legs felt so weak. They couldn't hold her any longer. Her whole skin was burning now she was almost sweating. Then emerald eyes turned at the silver ring, her lips were shaping up a sweet but excited smile. Her pale skin color was turned to pink and she smiled brightly at him. Nodding with a great happiness, Alice answered with a cheerful tone. "Yes, I would." She couldn't wait anymore to jump into his arms and hug him tight. "I'd love to!"

Richard smiled and took her in his arms and stood up to his full height so her feet dangled. He buried his head into her bare shoulders and rocked back and forth in sheer elation. Not even noticing her towel had slipped off as was now covering his feet. "I love you Alice."

Alice wrapped her arms around his neck and pecked many kisses on his face, ears and hair. This man was simply intoxicating... So she didn't notice her towel was gone yet. "I love you, too." She whispered sweetly and ran a hand in his soft hair. Her dream -since childhood- was becoming true.

The Hat Maker purred and placed kisses all along her lips but then paused. "Oh wait...I know!" He smiled looking down at her. "You were just playing coy weren’t you? You sly little minx." He grinned. "You wanted me to propose here in your world. How very romantic.."

Alice kissed him back every time their lips met. Then she giggled, pushing her hand into his so he could slip on the ring. "You're the best thing in Wonderland."

He smiled wide and held her with one arm, and skillfully slipped his teacup ring onto her finger. "And you're the best thing in all of the real World..My Alice..."

The young woman watched his every movement carefully, savoring every detail. She took a look at her ringed hand and smiled brightly. She had never felt so happy...and drafty? She was slowly becoming aware of her bare skin against the fabric of his clothes. Blinking curiously, she tried to look down without getting his attention. When she found out the truth about her missing towel, Alice pressed her body against his tighter. Her cheeks getting even pinker now. She didn’t want to let him go..for more reasons then one.

The Hatter gave a soothing sigh she pressed up against him, he let his arms hang down at his sides just out of spite. Since he found out that truth just a few moments before she did. The rather perverted clockwork man was now in seventh heaven! "MMmmmm..."

Alice continued clinging to him like a drowning person does to a life raft. His skinny body however provided little to no coverage. "You already know it, don't you?" She asked with a sigh about the towel issue.

Richard leaned his head against her and swayed in the soft breeze coming from the window. "Oh yes..." He grinned a bit as he glanced down just a little. "And the view is simply splendid.."