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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxKy7OZRyu
He sighed as his stomach gurgled for the nth time. He needed food and answers.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6be75mkP9
"Why does life hate me so?" he groaned, tossing his head back to grumble at the dark sky.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WRGgIbNZk
A weight dropped onto his lap making him jump and bring his head back down.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsRx0Zl0RU
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡus1GG8L3sB
"Chester!" Alec exclaimed, flustered by the Cat's boldness.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAx4hOMtBM
"That is indeed my name," the Cat grinned.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpfGXgFjgx
Alec pulled Chester's arms from around his neck and gently pushed the other man away, "Please get off of me."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLZerGmdKP
At that moment, Alec's stomach chose to make another cry for sustenance making the blond haired boy flush a brilliant red.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYqm2IaPbM
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0cRG97mso
"Where are we going?" Alec asked as Chester pulled him away from the bench.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF9TUAAgNl
"We," Chester said, "are getting you some food. Besides, I'm hungry too and those sandwich crêpes smell delicious."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CjwYmf9cr
"I don't have any money though," Alec protested.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOr8F7hNtK
Chester waved his free hand at Alec, "It's my treat. Remind me to remind Damien that you need some hearts."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnqkhkVSBJ
"Hearts?"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHlxejTtt5
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpUmxztPmX
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxl0SDkNwW
"One chicken asparagus," he said to the man and then turned to Alec. "What do you want to eat?"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKEShScbmF
"I'll, uh, have the same," Alec responded. The man nodded and soon the two were holding chicken asparagus crêpes.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh4bECL8r7
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51Fr2y4nmB
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTlXLDQXPc
"They are not just playing cards, sweet Alec. They are monetary cards. Have a look."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6uHi9j3hL
Chester used his free hand to pass Alec a few cards and began to eat his crêpe.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmNQOPpTcL
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvEQsqtioi
Alec handed Chester the monetary cards back and decided to try out his crêpe.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1p0JH92Kr
He moaned in ecstasy at the first bit, his taste buds appreciating the flavour and his stomach finally appeased. "This is really good!"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVNAMCqbvC
Chester grinned, "You are very welcome."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZ8CQB3jUr
"I'll pay you back," Alec promised, devouring the crêpe.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpt1qcIAes
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12oPDbr3mX
As they walked in silence they finished their food and were soon throwing away the wrappers.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkXPWNqZ6k
"So why do you believe that Lady Life doesn't like you?" Chester asked.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIKVKa7sLm
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMpkC2v46S
Chester hummed in thought as he examined the new charm.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NcYC9L39S
"It's pretty," he offered.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBB8wljDO4
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JRp3tszxy
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzmDxZNj2W
"Who?" Alec asked.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqxMy37RHV
"The Caterpillar!" Chester answered with a grin. "We'll go see him now even though we saw him just yesterday."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHFN6JhyiP
It took Alec a moment before he realized, 'Wait, Alistair is the Caterpillar?"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JounWtafv
Chester nodded, "Indeed he is. Who else did you think he was?"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qWFduJllq
Alec shook his head, "No one, just… I guess just wasn't expecting the wise Caterpillar to be so…"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi8W5fFnNY
"Drunk? Grumpy? Antisocial? Isolate?" Chester listed.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVIBp5xSgN
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡooek3rPMMb
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3tl0yAGVo
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8knKJsiCJ
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ517kmbLbXy
As they continued to walk, Alec looked around growing wary. "Are we going the right way?"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbCPwDn7jj
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYsQldAOvd
Alec flushed a bright red and decided he wasn't going to ask any more questions.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBeFVAQHLO
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7ZSXwvlEO
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaN718lBXQ
"Don't worry," Chester assured him. "Snickerastas aren't found in these parts of the Wonderland."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡOus2anD15o
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlwPdtmJO0
"Maybe we should go," Alec suggested, grabbing hold of Chester's hand to pull the aloof cat eared man behind him.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡytblBcuWNr
"It'll be fine," Chester said, not budging.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCWfF6Di8I
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX4dNiHa1w
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA0mVBzqym
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlZOBEVeW3
"Greetings, Damien," Chester said, not in the least bit surprised by the incomer.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD12ROkyZm
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aW5wRH5if
"Alec and Chester!" Damien cheered.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaBrYc5Tr2
"Thank you for calling me Alec," Alec heaved a sigh.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpFYrwNM5M
Damien winked, "Not a problem, love. What are you two doing out here? Are you trying to steal Alec away for yourself, Cheshire?"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bW4gtWYye
"We were headed to see Alistair. I have a few questions I didn't get to ask him last time," Alec answered.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1oPtm2ygt
Damien frowned, "But you've walked much too far to be headed to Alistair."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdTgbkNZ6T
"What?" Alec spun to face Chester.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe4HjlbfjK
Chester shrugged and an innocent smile pulled at his lips, "Whoops? I must have been distracted by your lovely presence, Alec."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxLSneepNv
Alec was not amused. Not in the least bit.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoJMFV6sUd
"Chester," he said testily. "Where were you leading us to?"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFsqnLLy05
Chester grinned slyly as he sang, "Nowhere special."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuD4m0jBp6
Damien sighed, shaking his head, "You were taking him to your cabin by the lake, weren't you?"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ivQ5aLbDF
Chester simply continued to grin in response.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZkSpIDbgE
"I'll take you to Alistair," Damien said, looking to Alec.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz8UDvVW6l
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dEz3JKPVn
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡukmPcMxQXN
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡvenD9094Xf
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1t3AxNkmI
"Alright," Chester sighed exaggeratedly, adding a pout for effect.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ34GgQd6O
"I'll join you as well," Damien said. With that, the three set off, this time towards Alistair's maze.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B3ofcpogn
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGo8KZFxk1
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2Sj7yzYMG
"Pretty," Alec commented after Damien returned the flower to his satchel.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNiPbx1BWi
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAZmIJmohG
"Would you like to model some of my hats?" Damien inquired.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyIiRPRrND
"No fair, you've never asked me to model for you," Chester whined, pouting petulantly.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AqqpCXrdU
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbvKyeuUCL
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2kjlc9dDW
Damien waved his hand in front of his face, "Nonsense, you will model for me. Those hats were made for you quite literally."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLxhcXUap7
"Don't pressure him, Damien," Chester said. "If Alec wants to model your silly little hats he would accept your offer."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49jzTSNoNq
"It's not that I don't want to," Alec tried to interject so he didn't unintentionally insult Damien.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡaosuHOGQ1j
"Then you will?" Damien asked, looking hopeful.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡNS5l9ii4sH
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwRv6LnU9b
"Yes, I would love to," Alec said in defeat. He just hoped that Damien wouldn't take pictures or have an audience.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjzNNgCt7D
"Splendid!" Damien said, clapping his hands together. "Thank you, Alec."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVwTgGbyKD
"No problem," the boy murmured.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWa7rgSPb1
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vlzj8QVCX
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqT5j9LvIv
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Yrj5TAYIL
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JhljAt9w6
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75w1aPaWlS
"We're going to Alistair, of course! No detours this time."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡruRTOWMoVv
"But do you know the way?" Alec tried. He was already half expecting the same answer Reina had given him the previous day.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVfrgy2KIy
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQDnROc1Ky
The thought getting lost and remaining in the maze forever sent chills down Alec's back. He definitely did not want that outcome.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc2L5QISfD
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡopzDRPbTAU
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqK6NBV0DF
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡyySBjXs2QH
"I'm being very serious, Ali-Cat!" Chester sang, his cat ears flicking back and forth as he looked around.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe6fRY43RE
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk5HrTjmUW
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tuU4ORwRI
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxWkNNiSRa
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOvCwWwPiq
"This little charm is a new addition," Alistair commented.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkTheY66vX
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJvK4iymap
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡxId2kJYRzh
"He's not wrong," Alistair said, unscrewing the cap and taking a gulp from the bottle.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmBbDPaKVG
"Gideon?" Alec questioned for clarification.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJpdttw1QH
Alistair sneered, "Who else?"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡqopErKoqBY
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTki5Y7fI3
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqMlEgPaiG
"What? But I didn't get any answers!" Alec protested.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ4hnw1LWC
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDv4VB33RM
Alec stepped forward to try and protest once again but Damien put his hand on the blond boy's shoulder.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NcT8RaY2s
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUbJbzfclb
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5PkaKWdON
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVAcOJ3ZH6
"Why is it that it takes a much shorter amount of time to leave the maze?" Alec grumbled.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm0D6bcmny
"Alistair doesn't like visitors," Damien answered. "We should head home."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡycDnxN8t1W
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0SRdHAgGh
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7EnLKyY6W
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡwF892GXa9Y
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qZZhcGRsn
"Nonsense!" Damien remarked. "You are my guest and my guest shall not be at the mercy of empty pockets."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PvOcgyLeF
"Damien," Alec still tried.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKkQUnwRyG
"I will not have it, Alec. Five hundred hearts a day should be enough, correct?"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG7OFp0mht
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqjfewvNhK
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZuOPocmgK
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25q9U6yVtP
Alec shot the raven haired Hatter a glare, "You did that on purpose."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdgJsvgYjy
Damien winked, "You can't prove that."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡINxcBnBNJR
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLXYVS5uNy
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdLBXe6dcq
"D-Do you mean th-this?"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVdi7PFJDp
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbaya6qfAe
"My stuff!" Alec cheered, running to Jasper. "Thank you so much, Jasper."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVrAwoODB1
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nWhG47mNL
"Still, thanks, I owe you one," Alec said flashing the Hare a grateful smile. "Need any help with those?"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoXVW72nnD
Jasper shook his head, "It's f-fine, just some g-groceries. We were out."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡBby2L4rAI3
"Fantastic! Thanks, Jaz," Damien said.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMqy46Cbsq
"It's your t-turn next time, Dame," Jasper replied, grabbing the two bags again.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdPT9M1b9p
"You making dinner?" Damien asked.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKAnNmsfXa
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡizXJ71PKdi
"You two seem close," Alec commented as they walked.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9w03FM5RW
Damien hummed, "He is my best friend, of course we're close. I've known him for forever."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGG44urwJo
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1YFK5GAQT
"What about your friends, in Otherland?" Damien questioned.copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡT13p265PcX
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGEsLIXcfG
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXIACtFj4w
Alec smiled at that, "Thanks."copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXxgmAnrpz
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡobf2E1LBd0
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPY0pBt5Ux
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7uaoRKLja
"It'll all b-be resolved s-soon," Jasper assured him, turning off the heat. "D-done!"copyright protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHlAKZBwBP
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSFvT56mb0
"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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN8pXwgIhz
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDhed2ePyP
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5IlABrHXC
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 protection266ＰＥＮＡＮＡISqQhnnx6F
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