Alec had found a bench at a small park and was gazing down at the new charm on his bracelet. He was also trying to ignore the food vendor that was parked just a few feet away from him.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpQkTTETwx
He sighed as his stomach gurgled for the nth time. He needed food and answers.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nMjSNrF1u
"Why does life hate me so?" he groaned, tossing his head back to grumble at the dark sky.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZuN1suqQO
A weight dropped onto his lap making him jump and bring his head back down.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaeuv7na1U
"Have you done something to displease the Lady Life?" Chester inquired with a tilt of his head. He didn't seem to think anything was odd about sitting across Alec's lap and snaked his arms around the blond boy's neck before sticking his tongue out and licking a stripe up the other boy's cheek and grinning mischievously, "Hello."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7huqahRPi
"Chester!" Alec exclaimed, flustered by the Cat's boldness.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVhQJjjeJ9
"That is indeed my name," the Cat grinned.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nkgSQog0p
Alec pulled Chester's arms from around his neck and gently pushed the other man away, "Please get off of me."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHwrbXBtPr
At that moment, Alec's stomach chose to make another cry for sustenance making the blond haired boy flush a brilliant red.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbm325mmj6
"Someone's hungry," Chester commented, getting out of Alec's lap and standing in front of the embarrassed boy. The silver bell on his collar jingled as he leaned down and grabbed Alec's arm, pulling him to his feet.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmtPCmG1CG
"Where are we going?" Alec asked as Chester pulled him away from the bench.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMoXeAVQ3K
"We," Chester said, "are getting you some food. Besides, I'm hungry too and those sandwich crêpes smell delicious."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOWDSZJfl3
"I don't have any money though," Alec protested.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQpPG2bm3N
Chester waved his free hand at Alec, "It's my treat. Remind me to remind Damien that you need some hearts."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uArrO2nF5
"Hearts?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WU4AN3k2p
"It's the currency of Hearts. In Clover it's clovers, Spades it's spades, and in Diamond its diamonds," Chester explained as they came to a stop behind a child with a red heart and the number two on his cheek.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnfMcWPnjS
The little girl got a crêpe filled with chocolate and banana and after paying skipped on away towards her parents. Chester stepped towards the crêpe vendor, a man with a ten in the heart on his cheek.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnmLOOARbf
"One chicken asparagus," he said to the man and then turned to Alec. "What do you want to eat?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjcRnNEr7G
"I'll, uh, have the same," Alec responded. The man nodded and soon the two were holding chicken asparagus crêpes.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv36ig37En
"Thirty hearts," the man said and Chester pulled out a handful of playing cards out of his back pocket. He handed the man three ten of hearts with a thank you and then grabbed Alec's hand, directing them away.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPKmBzabqm
"Playing cards? The currency is playing cards?" Alec exclaimed. It wasn't the weirdest thing to happen but he was still finding surprises left, right, and center.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnFEe3rTuz
"They are not just playing cards, sweet Alec. They are monetary cards. Have a look."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl4DrmUuuy
Chester used his free hand to pass Alec a few cards and began to eat his crêpe.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtoBQZb0bB
The cards were normal playing cards as far as Alec could tell. They had the number on the two corners that corresponded to the number of hearts. The queen of hearts card was a picture of Reina standing proud in a red and black dress with a silver tiara. The back of the cards were red with intricate black hearts hanging on looping strings of gold that crisscrossed in a seemingly random pattern of swirls.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDY2hd5J6A
Alec handed Chester the monetary cards back and decided to try out his crêpe.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFVnjnKdRe
He moaned in ecstasy at the first bit, his taste buds appreciating the flavour and his stomach finally appeased. "This is really good!"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJI9ly9wzl
Chester grinned, "You are very welcome."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WY6Ygj40p
"I'll pay you back," Alec promised, devouring the crêpe.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj5BGoYrCQ
"Give me a kiss and we'll call it even," Chester smirked in reply. Alec rolled his eyes at the teasing Cat. His cheeks still warmed though.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnzoxVWHrw
As they walked in silence they finished their food and were soon throwing away the wrappers.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zs1FriZwi
"So why do you believe that Lady Life doesn't like you?" Chester asked.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbBvNiTLJv
Alec sighed, "At the time I was starving for food and answers, now I just want answers. I was with Reina and when she returned to the palace, this happened." Alec showed Chester the new charm on his bracelet.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpTbNr6K8y
Chester hummed in thought as he examined the new charm.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡhb7JdNbvNH
"It's pretty," he offered.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcTqHGIBss
Alec rolled his eyes, "But how did it appear? And how do I get back home? Gideon said that this bracelet might be the key to me leaving but how?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74R1fFsmqA
Chester gave Alec back his hand and scratched his head, right behind his silky black cat ear. "If it is answers you seek, there is but one person you need."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHM1rZPCuC
"Who?" Alec asked.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjOdJwUr8n
"The Caterpillar!" Chester answered with a grin. "We'll go see him now even though we saw him just yesterday."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfrLhGrJ3S
It took Alec a moment before he realized, 'Wait, Alistair is the Caterpillar?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXA6Z26OEB
Chester nodded, "Indeed he is. Who else did you think he was?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZUfdDM84U
Alec shook his head, "No one, just… I guess just wasn't expecting the wise Caterpillar to be so…"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYaWKrDcbG
"Drunk? Grumpy? Antisocial? Isolate?" Chester listed.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wEGDDIJsn
"Yeah…" But Alec believed he couldn't be blamed. The Caterpillar had been depicted as a smoker, yes, with his hookah pipe, but being an irritable drunkard was not part of the package. His knowledge of Wonderland was constantly being tested and proven faulty with each second he spent in the whimsical land.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTme9zRVHW
As the two walked out of Hearts and into the woods Chester gave Alec a brief description of the man they were off to see. A new shift occurred overhead and the evening changed to morning with the sky a brilliant blue and the sun closer to the eastern horizon.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdV09GsNTE
"He's always in his little maze home. It's been years since he ventured outside, so long that he's become somewhat of a myth to the younger children. He used to come down to Hearts but the times dwindled down to none and many people have forgotten what he looks and sounds like. People go to him for answers to problems that they can't solve themselves but he doesn't always help. More often than not, those that seek him never manage to solve his maze and return home none the wiser. Reina is the only one he will always see, she is the Queen after all."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYa8ENMnxe
Alec was content with the new information and took the opportunity of the trek to ask more questions. He wondered more about the shifts, if there were any way to know what shift would be next. The answer was no. This brought on the question of Peter's stopwatch to which the answer was that the watch counted down the time for each shift but could not predict what the next one would be. Then Alec asked how they counted a day and received the answer that each day included all the shifts and people ran on a body clock. Most were awake for five to six shifts, around thirteen to fifteen hours, before their body told them it was time to rest for the day no matter what the current shift may be. Depending on what had been done that day and how tired the person was also affected when they'd call it a day.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS776gGYbo
As they continued to walk, Alec looked around growing wary. "Are we going the right way?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1CR2Mxvzr
Chester nodded, "Of course, I know these forests like I know my way around a willing body." He finished with a wink at Alec.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93pjc47YsE
Alec flushed a bright red and decided he wasn't going to ask any more questions.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡccxkjDA0CM
They had walked for another five or so minutes when Alec heard leaves rustling loudly to their left. It was as if someone – or something, Alec feared – were charging through the shrubbery.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyO1pRNXmm
"Chester?" Alec whispered warily as they came to a stop and faced the direction of the noise. He had already grown somewhat of a fear of the forest of Wonderland. His first experience in it not one he would ever wish to relive.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡovqOPCTXBl
"Don't worry," Chester assured him. "Snickerastas aren't found in these parts of the Wonderland."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNx97RNIRp
Snickerastas? What on earth is a snickerasta? Alec mentally panicked. He was still staring fearfully in the direction of the rustling. It was getting louder, closer, faster.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhXjina5kw
"Maybe we should go," Alec suggested, grabbing hold of Chester's hand to pull the aloof cat eared man behind him.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ2TxRwqP7
"It'll be fine," Chester said, not budging.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrVkA3bnM3
The rustling was getting louder and louder and Alec couldn't help but hid behind Chester who seemed to not be even the slightest bit disturbed.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgkLAC8KIt
Alec continued to watch the sinister greenery over Chester's shoulder and soon the greenery was moving and the sound was just a foot or so away. Whatever was making the noise was right in front of them, a couple leaves being the only barrier. Alec was ready to bolt, his grip tightening on Chester's hand that was his only form of comfort.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbcj5JbBa0
Suddenly, a figure burst through the shrubbery and Alec let out a high-pitched shriek as he completely ducked behind Chester, cowering in fright.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWrFg2Jsqv
"Greetings, Damien," Chester said, not in the least bit surprised by the incomer.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡveMPZms76a
Alec came out from behind Chester and was surprised, but also relieved, to see Damien. The man was wearing similar clothing as the previous day; white tee, black waistcoat, grey washed jeans, and a superfluously decorated black top hat. Today's hat was steampunk themed with golden cogs mixed amongst white, grey, and faded yellow feathers, and an aged silver-gold sash tied around the base of the hat. It wasn't as extravagant as the first hat Alec had seen the Hatter in, but it was still quite something.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnlNGrxR2H
"Alec and Chester!" Damien cheered.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMEkrVmanN
"Thank you for calling me Alec," Alec heaved a sigh.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT1sI0Pa8V
Damien winked, "Not a problem, love. What are you two doing out here? Are you trying to steal Alec away for yourself, Cheshire?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKjHx084Sa
"We were headed to see Alistair. I have a few questions I didn't get to ask him last time," Alec answered.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKXr4pmrzK
Damien frowned, "But you've walked much too far to be headed to Alistair."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡegDgJmhyxq
"What?" Alec spun to face Chester.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSaNzHOHMG
Chester shrugged and an innocent smile pulled at his lips, "Whoops? I must have been distracted by your lovely presence, Alec."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzqP0venWO
Alec was not amused. Not in the least bit.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7b5LsO8JmF
"Chester," he said testily. "Where were you leading us to?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRxkE72tOO
Chester grinned slyly as he sang, "Nowhere special."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HnAxo5ML2
Damien sighed, shaking his head, "You were taking him to your cabin by the lake, weren't you?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTeGFHuNqR
Chester simply continued to grin in response.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAI0Vn7XQW
"I'll take you to Alistair," Damien said, looking to Alec.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0DaAbyGXk
Chester wrapped his arms around Alec's waist and pulled the boy to his chest at that. "I was going to take him to Alistair. We were just going to take a small detour to my house so we could get to know each other more."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡJydYfSFJG5
At Chester's suggestive tone of "getting to know each other", Alec felt his cheeks warm once again. He wriggled out of Chester's grip and went to stand beside Damien for his own safety.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9Gk9BHhzy
"See, he likes me better already," the Hatter smirked. He wrapped his arm around Alec's waist and pulled him to his side and then placed a kiss on the unsuspecting boy's red cheek.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlyRw924P0
"Would the both of you quit it?" Alec demanded, escaping from Damien's hold. He was a little ways from the two, making a triangle, as he tried to calm his racing heart and return to a non-flustered state. "Just…could one of you take me to see Alistair? And no detours."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyzCxOvcyb
"Alright," Chester sighed exaggeratedly, adding a pout for effect.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9kYtuAbL9
"I'll join you as well," Damien said. With that, the three set off, this time towards Alistair's maze.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYviQ1rT6g
"What were you doing out here?" Alec asked when the silence was starting to get to him. He was positioned between the other two but couldn't help the sense of paranoia creeping along his spine with every second spent in the forest.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvPs8mgDyP
Damien held up the satchel that was slung over his shoulder. "I was just out collecting bits and pieces for some hats. I found some feathers and this gorgeous flower." As he spoke he rummaged through the small bag until his pulled out a flower that looked like a lily except its white petals had orange dots sprinkled liberally in the center that then blended into a vibrant blue and finally a deep purple at the tips of the petals.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQYaPsEpDq
"Pretty," Alec commented after Damien returned the flower to his satchel.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmp5Ff768e
Seeing Damien's bag reminded Alec that he had left his bag and clothes back at the palace. He only hoped that Reina, Peter, or Mark even saved his stuff. Having a link from his bracelet melt and form a charm before his very eyes kind of took his attention away from his personal belongings.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2JcvRzMv8
"Would you like to model some of my hats?" Damien inquired.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlZzvP1afF
"No fair, you've never asked me to model for you," Chester whined, pouting petulantly.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP20UHg1Np
Damien rolled his eyes and ignored the Cat. "Would you, Alec? I must admit that I have had some designed with you in mind. I had spent that last day designing and creating those very hats which is why I was not able to properly show you around Hearts or even my own mansion. I apologize for that."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡfarZnXRXJn
"No, no, it's fine. I'm the one that just came out of nowhere. And I'm really flattered but I'm not much of a model," Alec said. It seemed he would be constantly blushing in Wonderland. He wasn't too fond of that.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kI5UeUVp9
Damien waved his hand in front of his face, "Nonsense, you will model for me. Those hats were made for you quite literally."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0ZD1TkhV8
"Don't pressure him, Damien," Chester said. "If Alec wants to model your silly little hats he would accept your offer."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbj8bG52DO
"It's not that I don't want to," Alec tried to interject so he didn't unintentionally insult Damien.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ98P3nJZM
"Then you will?" Damien asked, looking hopeful.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAMSdNMy5I
Alec gulped at the sight of Damien pouting with his orange eyes wide. He couldn't say no to that face and he cursed his sentimental and emotional side.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMT0U4G07k
"Yes, I would love to," Alec said in defeat. He just hoped that Damien wouldn't take pictures or have an audience.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx3YFT12D0
"Splendid!" Damien said, clapping his hands together. "Thank you, Alec."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxABqOpcnv
"No problem," the boy murmured.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4hO4cSKc0
The trio spent the rest of the trek with Chester trying to touch Alec in some manner and Damien pulling Alec away from the flirty, cat-eared man. Inadvertently, as Alec tried to believe, Damien coming to Alec's rescue resulted in the two being in quite close quarters for most of the walk, their hands interlinked on more than one occasion.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41x80d21gF
Finally, they reached the opening to Alistair's maze just as another shift occurred and it was now pitch black. The midnight shift, Alec guessed though he wished it had instead turned to one of the remaining two afternoons. He did not feel the least bit comfortable wandering around in the forest with such little lighting. The waning moon overhead barely shed any light through the thick foliage overhead.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25cCHCr7PO
"Into the maze we go!" sang Chester, linking his arm with Alec's and pulling him into the maze. Alec had just barely a moment to grab onto Damien's hand, pulling the Hatter so he was not left behind.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJSUxW6qHi
Chester seemed to have no sense of fatigue. He skipped through the maze taking lefts and rights and straights and even backtracking. There was no rhyme or reason.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMkYVkbXms
"Chester, are you sure you know where we're going?" Alec asked. He almost asked if the Cat could possibly slow down but didn't want to further embarrass himself. Plus, he was certain that Chester would make some kind of extremely suggestive suggestion.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoxO1frsmg
"We're going to Alistair, of course! No detours this time."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ09Ty50ZM
"But do you know the way?" Alec tried. He was already half expecting the same answer Reina had given him the previous day.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqyDotYArl
"No one knows the way to Alistair's lair," Damien answered. "If he doesn't wish to see you, you will end up lost in this maze for quite some time."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33JASKQkdd
The thought getting lost and remaining in the maze forever sent chills down Alec's back. He definitely did not want that outcome.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡAudBD79J78
They continued walking – or in Chester's case, skipping – aimlessly for some time, Alec wasn't sure how long exactly, before the blond had lost all hope of meeting with the Caterpillar.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqy54Xz3y0
Just as he was about to voice his defeat, Chester let go of Alec's hand to cup his mouth and holler, "Alistair, you big grumpy goof, we won't be leaving so you might as well let us see you!"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB48cWT2g6
Silence reigned after Chester's echo faded and Alec was worried that the Cat had managed to piss off the already irritated Caterpillar. Alec just hoped that they would manage to get out of the maze safely.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRAtseACXH
"I'm being very serious, Ali-Cat!" Chester sang, his cat ears flicking back and forth as he looked around.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu7jzcg8fO
"I've told you countless times not to call me that, stupid cat," came a disgruntled voice from behind the trio. They turned around to see an opening to the same room Alec had seen before in the maze, Alistair's private dome room. The man in question was sprawled on a chair, his sandaled feet on a rickety table that looked like it was moments away from collapsing into a pile of weathered wood that's only functioning purpose would be as firewood.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DpcLB9EEq
"What do you want now? Here to ask which room Alice will stay in?" Alistair scowled, taking a swig from the bottle of alcohol in his hand. He was wearing the same clothes as the day before and Alec could spot a new dark stain at the bottom right edge of his white wife beater.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUhmnKAXmy
"It's Alec and no, I was hoping you'd know about this charm bracelet," Alec said, raising his right arm so that the silver bracelet was in plain sight. "Gideon thinks that it may have something to do with my ability, or rather inability, to leave Wonderland through the portal thing."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡE72MqCYHKe
"Portal thing? It's called a looking glass," Alistair corrected, if a little condescendingly. He dropped his feet with a loud thud, stood up, walked towards the trio, and grabbed Alec's wrist to examine the bracelet.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSRW5Dxeic
"This little charm is a new addition," Alistair commented.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡE36WqtH0q4
"Yeah, it happened just a little while ago. The link started melting and burning and when I could look again, this charm was just… there," Alec explained. He didn't say anything about how Alistair smelled strongly of alcohol and smoke. He tried to contain his urge to breath from his mouth. "It… formed after I talked to Reina," he added but didn't want to go into detail and betray Reina's trust. She may not have asked for him to keep their conversation to themselves, but it was quite private and Alec felt uncomfortable sharing their talk.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5bCSCeQkZ
Alistair released Alec and walked towards one of the cabinets filled with bottles of what Alec presumed to be more alcohol. He stared at the bottles thoughtfully before grabbing a clear bottle filled with a yellow-brown liquid, probably whisky.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QSWMXAkcT
"He's not wrong," Alistair said, unscrewing the cap and taking a gulp from the bottle.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRWDOm7vnx
"Gideon?" Alec questioned for clarification.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXDLAvoPmJ
Alistair sneered, "Who else?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrzGomEZHQ
Alec ignored his growing irritation with Alistair to the best of his abilities and remained calm. "So this bracelet really is the key to me going back home?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeHPSvcZ1A
"Perhaps. I've never seen anything like it and Gideon's merchandise has the uncanny ability to get past even my knowledge. You can't do anything without Gideon's potion though. If that was all you wanted to ask me, then that's all I have to tell you. Now get out."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBxan8GMX2
"What? But I didn't get any answers!" Alec protested.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMu5sTs7S9
Alistair scoffed, "Too fucking bad. We don't always get what we want, something you should be quick to learn, Not Alice. I've told you what I can and if that's not enough then good luck finding these answers you want elsewhere. I'm done with you, now leave."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKoFAgbMfd
Alec stepped forward to try and protest once again but Damien put his hand on the blond boy's shoulder.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMOUXc2DZ0
"It's no use, Alec. Alistair is as stubborn as a hitchensparlo with a red buttercup, there's no changing his mind," Damien said, his tone smooth and soothing, quelling Alec's annoyance to a degree even though the blond now had questions as to what on earth a hitchensparlo was.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuMbAf42mX
"Listen to the Hatter, Not Alice," said Alistair. "Now, good bye." With a flick of his wrist, the hedges extended until the trio was facing a leafy wall, no sign of Alistair's little hideout.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡckIA0iRb47
Slightly annoyed with Alistair's dismissal and lack of real answers, Alec dejectedly followed Chester and Damien through the maze, quickly reaching the exit.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡprUdlRqovp
"Why is it that it takes a much shorter amount of time to leave the maze?" Alec grumbled.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡocUbnuqswN
"Alistair doesn't like visitors," Damien answered. "We should head home."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ88k8qbkv
Alec nodded; he was feeling weary from the day's events. Too much had happened. At least he had some answers even though he now had a more pressing question that he only had a partial answer to.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJWdXh5nFA
"Ah, yes, and before I forget because Alec did not remind me," Chester shot Alec a mock-disapproving look, "Alec here needs some hearts. The poor cutie was starving when I met up with him!"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4NHfbcGDJ
Damien turned to Alec, his expression apologetic, "I'm so sorry, Alec. When we get back home I will certainly give you some hearts."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3sCbMKCY5
"No, no, I couldn't take your money," Alec tried to protest. "I'm already freeloading at your place, there's no way I can just take your money."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hO3uLkz90
"Nonsense!" Damien remarked. "You are my guest and my guest shall not be at the mercy of empty pockets."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX4YFj9RZN
"Damien," Alec still tried.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtQ252PQEN
"I will not have it, Alec. Five hundred hearts a day should be enough, correct?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL5JOzv99F
Alec spent the rest of the walk back to the Hatter's mansion trying to dissuade the Hatter but the orange-eyed man was not budging. In the end, Alec reluctantly accepted a balance of three hundred hearts for a day and should he require more, he need only just ask. He promised himself that he would never ask for more and that he would spend as little as possible.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kCeihxr9x
"Stubborn twat," Alec muttered. They had said farewell to Chester once in the middle of the forest right before they cleared the forest and Damien's mansion was right before them.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ05M68CWM
Damien just chuckled as he held open the door for Alec to go through, "No matter what you say, little Alice, I shan't be changing my mind."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRyvBm46we
Alec shot the raven haired Hatter a glare, "You did that on purpose."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGyoURGsjQ
Damien winked, "You can't prove that."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyz0Em7MY3
Alec made a gruff noise of exasperation and stormed into the house before stopping right before he turned off into the main hallway, slapping his face with his hand, "My stuff is still at the palace."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoV6UwtYDZ
"We can get it tomorrow, it's already been five shifts and we haven't had dinner yet," said Damien, coming up behind him.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpFMOADv2X
"D-Do you mean th-this?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2vV3ahaWg
The two turned back around to see Jasper – bouncing on the balls of his feet – at the doorway holding a two brown paper bags in his arms and a backpack slung over one shoulder. He was wearing another plaid shirt, this one a greyish forest green, dark khaki shorts, and a pair of dark green Converse. He set the paper bags down and unhooked the bag from his arm, holding it out to Alec.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡevF9CzF6yj
"My stuff!" Alec cheered, running to Jasper. "Thank you so much, Jasper."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LJLyylb3o
Jasper blushed and rubbed the back of his neck, "I-It's no p-problem, Alec. I s-saw Peter on my w-way home from the store and s-said I'd bring your stuff back."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pqFktPCDL
"Still, thanks, I owe you one," Alec said flashing the Hare a grateful smile. "Need any help with those?"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRhz1T9HZH
Jasper shook his head, "It's f-fine, just some g-groceries. We were out."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05tJR1hddl
"Fantastic! Thanks, Jaz," Damien said.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmK124vRH8
"It's your t-turn next time, Dame," Jasper replied, grabbing the two bags again.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA0U91OiJO
"You making dinner?" Damien asked.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JUutLvLZJ
Jasper nodded, "I-I'll see you two in a bit." He turned to the left towards the kitchen while Damien and Alec went to the right towards the staircase that would lead to their rooms.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A6RC8W70D
"You two seem close," Alec commented as they walked.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDegyoinG1
Damien hummed, "He is my best friend, of course we're close. I've known him for forever."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHL6bfSH1R
"Must be nice to have a best friend," Alec murmured. He had to admit that he was envious of the vibe the two had. From that short seemingly meaningless conversation, he could tell that the two were extremely close. It was something he had never had.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8rx03GWbG
"What about your friends, in Otherland?" Damien questioned.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡArkPITd1gU
Alec shrugged, "I don't have any really. I'm the orphan loner kid who's obsessed with fictional worlds and works at a café seven days a week. Didn't have time for friends and I just never really got around to getting to know people."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sBOzM4ru5
"Well," Damien said grabbing Alec's hand and giving it a comforting squeeze. "You'll have plenty of friends in Wonder. You already have me."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVeKteO9b0
Alec smiled at that, "Thanks."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMrbBa4Pbl
They soon reached the second floor and split ways, Alec heading to his room to drop off his bag and Damien going to his workroom to drop off his newfound supplies. In no time at all they all met up in the kitchen, talking about their day as Jasper cooked up dinner. The twins had yet to return but Damien and Jasper assured Alec that the boys would be back before the next shift.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeOk3n77OC
"So the ch-charm just appeared after you talked with R-reina?" Jasper asked as he stirred the vegetables and chicken in the wok. He right foot was hopping up and down at an alarming rate, moving his entire body, but Alec was already getting pretty used to the Hare's inability to stand still. He just hoped that the chestnut haired man didn't end up accidentally tossing the stir-fry everywhere.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7xrS0GHaR
Alec nodded, "Yeah. Gideon thinks the bracelet's got something to do with why I couldn't leave when we tried. Alistair confirmed it in his vague cryptic way. Kind of."copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1D9cfjh4u
"It'll all b-be resolved s-soon," Jasper assured him, turning off the heat. "D-done!"copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOIq8MOgUD
"I'm famished," Damien said, grabbing plates. He stood beside Jasper and spooned some rice onto the plates and then held them out for Jasper to dish out some of the stir-fry before handing one plate to Alec with a fork and spoon.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7KqzDrfkC
"Thanks, smells good," Alec said. He wasn't quite sure where they would be eating as he had forgotten where the dining room was so he just waited for the other two to finish up so he could follow them and not feel so awkward or end up going the wrong way and embarrass himself for the millionth time in the day.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72DLbQ0u85
Dinner was a relatively normal affair with light conversation and laughter. The twins appeared soon after Alec, Damien, and Jasper had reached the dining room – which was just next door to the kitchen – and more volume was added to the conversation. The twins didn't talk about their day though from their pleased grins Alec suspected that their day included Mark in some aspect. He was going to find out what was going on between those three. Blame his curiosity.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKTHb2u0jo
They finished off dinner, the twins offering to take the plates back to the kitchen, and as everyone was quite tired, they simply returned to their rooms with mentions of good nights (even though it was now the afternoon shift).copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcwnC513lm
As soon as Alec entered his room he shut – and locked – the door, kicked off the sandals and crawled into the bed, pulling the covers up to his chin. After that eventful day, he was full – Jasper's cooking was something to marvel at – and exhausted. Sleep quickly claimed him, the light from outside not bothering him in the least.copyright protection268ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsojdzae4i
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