The Wonder of Love

Birthday Ball

Hatter Hightopp nodded before placing his hat back atop his head, "I suppose I'll think over everything." Alice said with a nod. He blinked at the table in surprise. It wasn't yes, but it was better than nothing. She heard the tea firing.

His eyes shot to her as she rose and poured them both a cup. "You will?" He asked with such hoarse hope in his voice.

"Here you are." She said softly, giving him his cup.

He smiled like an idiot at the beautifully painted hound dogs chasing after a white rabbit,"Thank you," he said to both her words and actions.

She smiled at him and nodded. "Of course." She agreed softly as she sat back down. It was the least she could do.

He couldn't believe she had such an effect on him. "Tis all I can ask," he admitted softly before sipping his tea. It was all she could give. She needed time alone to think, process his confession, and see if maybe... maybe she could feel the same. He wanted to reach out and take her hand, but he knew better than to tempt fate. "Your dress will be finished by noon tomorrow," he assured her, not realizing what he'd accidentally given away.

She looked up at him and smiled. "Oh how lovely. I cannot wait!" She said excitedly. He was making her a dress?! How fun! He snickered lightly before tasting the tea once more. What an excellent distraction for both of them, "It will be wonderful!" She said happily. She sipped her tea and grinned like Chessire would. 

"I fear I've spoken too much," he said with a shrug. She looked into her cup and sighed. He truly had, but not about this. She had such mixed feelings. Her chest ached for him. Guilt clouded it as well as unsurity. "Queen Marina swore me to secrecy." He explained with a small chuckle. She had never thought to felt that way for him. And yet now, she wasn't sure. Her stomach always ached when she was around him. When he sat close, it twisted into knots and her palms sweated. She wasn't sure what that meant. "I can not tell you why she requested for it," he said with a smirk.

"Oh yes?" She asked with an eyebrow raised. 'There's time for everything, Alice. Focus on this.' she mothered herself.

He shook his head,"Why no." He snickered mischievously as he added a block of sugar to his tea. Hope felt so much better than heartbreak. He was also so glad she wasn't speaking of leaving anymore... or his almost kiss. Both were such.. Difficult subjects, and he didn't want to pressure her, "I do enjoy my head," he said with a nod. His smile looked so sweet. As long as he had a chance, he'd wait patiently for her decision. 

Alice nodded and sipped her tea. "Well, I'm excited to see what it is for then." She said with a little giggle. She truly was. A dress most likely meant a ball, and she did love to dance. She looked up and grinned oh so sweetly at him. "I'm sure it is beautiful, Hatter. All of your creations are always so amazing."

His face dawned the wide grin of a man mad with joy. "Thank you," he said softly, his face flush like so many times before. Only now, she understood what it meant. He was flattered, flustered, and it was enough to show through his pale painted face. He watched her fondly across the table, "Not a hint, she said," Hatter mentioned in a dreamy attempt to taunt her.

She giggled and sipped her warmly lavender scented drink. "Not a hint, huh?" She asked with a small, coy, raise of her lips, "Come onnnnnn."

He shook his head several times over, "No, no, she threatened my head, Alice!" He set his cup down as he laughed up a storm. After a few minutes, he calmed enough to grin wildly at her. Would she really consider him as a possible suitor? Was she not fleeing after all? "You must understand."

She pouted by crossing her arms over her chest. "Fine." she huffed, glancing towards a stained glass window nearby.

Her suspicions were only confirmed near the end of the next day, when the White Queen knocked on her bedroom door, "Alliccee~~," she sang, holding a white box as she waited for an answer. "I have present for youu~!"