A Mad Sort of Love

SPOILER ALERT! IF YOU HAVE NOT GONE TO SEE ALICE IN WONDERLAND, DIRECTED BY TIM BURTON, YOU ARE GOING TO SEE SPOILERS! I HAVE PROPERLY WARNED YOU NOW! PLEASE PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK! THANK YOU AND HAVE A MAD SORT OF EVENING!!!!!

The jabberwrokee had been slayed. Alice descended from the ruins as the chess players and the card solders laid down their weapons. The White Queen had banished Slayer and the Red Queen before going to the jabberwrokee. Alice could not see what she was getting and when the White Queen turned back, she had a vile full of vibrant purple liquid. Walking over, the White Queen gave her the vile and said,

"Wonderland is in your debt forever and a half."

"Will this take me home?" Alice asked. The White Queen gave her a sad smile and said,

"If that is what you wish." Alice watched as the White Queen walked over to Tweedledim and Tweedledum before uncorking the vile. She felt a presence approach her from behind and she turned to see the Mad Hatter staring at her. Her heart started to pound as she stared into his eyes. A sad sort of longing was echoed in his eyes as he asked quietly,

"Why is a raven like a writing desk?"

"I haven't the slightest idea, my dear Mad Hatter." Hatter smiled at her before asking softly,

"Are you not staying here in this mad world with us?" Alice hesitated before replying,

"I must return to my world, Hatter. I have many questions to answer and things to do. I'm sorry my friend." But even as she said that, Alice knew that she would not return. Hatter sighed and said,

"But you will forget me."

"I will never forget you. You'll always be with me." She raised the vile to her lips and then lowered it. She knew she belonged in that world, in the world with Hatter. She capped the bottle and Hatter smiled before holding out his arms for Alice to step into them. Alice did that and as they shared a hug, she felt that she belonged in those arms and those arms alone. She knew she loved Hatter, more than just as a friend or a brother or a mentor. She actually loved him. She pulled back but not enough to break the hug. She heard the others step away, giving the two privacy. Hatter seemed to have a sparkle in his eye, a sparkle Alice had noticed but had never given any thought to until then.

Standing on her tippy toes, Alice looked deep into his eyes before placing her lips upon his. Hatter was startled at first but soon he returned it. It was slow, gentle, and it sent Alice's and Hatter's heads whirling. Pulling away, Alice blushed and Hatter smiled brightly at her and asked,

"So, my dear absolutely extraordinary Alice, will you do me the honors of a marriage at this fine abode that the White Queen resides in?" Alice nodded and said as a reply,

"My dear Hatter, I would be absolutely honored if I were to marry such a fine man." Hatter laughed and placed an arm around her waist, leading her over to where the White Queen stood with a bright smile. The future for Wonderland had never looked so bright.