Thread: Lost Time Is Never Found Again (Lotherio & darkangel76)

Alices eyes never left Hatter as he dashed about the room. He was rearranging things, sorting things. Setting things up? She smiled at the familiar sight of it all, the memories it allowed her to relive. It might have appeared unusual to the casual onlooker, chaotic. But that was why it warmed her so, made her feel like she was back in a place that accepted anything and everything, no matter how strange it might seem to others. Here she could be herself. Here she could be just Alice. Her eyes stayed fixed on the peculiar man whod somehow worked his way into a special place within her heart. Though Alice found it quite interesting that his thoughts seemed to dwell on her all this time. Why, there was a glint in his eye, something that had come off as a lucid thought. A memory perhaps? A dream recalled? But which? Did it matter? No. Either way, Hatter remembered. He remembered! Even after all the years that had passed, despite the madness. The time. Alice had somehow stayed at the forefront of his thoughts! Or was it just coincidental conversation hed had with the Hare? Oh, none of this mattered! This was Wonderland! Past was past, they had the here. The now. Of course, none of it made sense. But why should it? Did it have to? No. It decidedly did not and, if she was honest with herself, she found the idea of it all exciting. Exhilarating. Suddenly, Hatter moved round and stood behind Alice. She tried to turn, to face him, but He barred the way, leaning close. Oh, she could feel his breath upon her ear. Just then, a shiver ran along her spine. What was this? This feeling? This was it familiarity? Blinking several times, she honestly wasnt sure. Then, she felt it again. Hatters breath. It caressed, it teased. It ignited something within. Alice could feel her heart suddenly pound as Hatter pulled away. He continued his journey about the table and finally sat himself down. Placing a hand over her bared chest, the corset hindering the quick breaths she suddenly found herself taking, she suddenly felt her cheeks tinge pink. What was this? Was she blushing? Bringing a hand to her face, Alices eyes suddenly shifted as Hatter and Hare began their banter. Oh how grateful she was for the distraction. Her blush had gone unnoticed, all of it. Thankful, letting out a tiny sigh and allowing her muscles to relax, she watched the two until Hare finally stormed off in a huff. Alices eyes went wide as she watched Hare leave, but soon found her attention being drawn back to Hatter. He just sat there, smiling, his eyes looking at her as if he saw something in her she could never begin to comprehend. What was it? What was he thinking? Tilting her head, she laughed softly and then cleared her throat. Well, Im sure hell be all right after a spell, Alice began. As Alice spoke, Hatters words about his dreams lingered within her mind. She wanted to know more about those dreams. Shed been dreaming as well, only Well, she couldnt remember hers. But, for reasons unknown, she knew she probably was meant to. Maybe Hatter could help her remember? Oh, but those were something of a darker nature. This was a party and his face wore a smile. No. Shed perhaps bring that up at another time. I have indeed missed you, Hatter. Though, Alice tilted her head as she paused for a moment. You look a bit different from last time we talked. She smiled then, her eyes fixed to Hatters. But I think I fancy this attire, she added. I dare say you look rather handsome. Alice bit down on her lip as the words passed over her lips. Had she truly said that out loud? Oh drat it all, she had! Well, there it was. At least it was the truth. W-well, w-what, I meant w-was I Well, yes. Handsome. Alice wanted so desperately to hide. Shed really done it now. Shed embarrassed herself, shed embarrassed Hatter. Then again, she supposed it couldnt get worse. Ah, I think I would fancy a cup of tea now. Yes, that would be most delightful. Blushing deeply, Alice reached for her cup and held it out for Hatter to pour her a cup of tea. As she did, she kept her eyes fixed to the table, worrying over the fool shed just come off as being.