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happy74827 · 6 months ago

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Fate’s Design

[Carlisle Cullen x Female!Reader]

Synopsis: Not even fate can stop forbidden love. {GIF Credits: Pinterest}

WC: 2051

Category: Angst (with a side of fluff)

Can you tell I rewatched Twilight? 👀 Edward? Jacob? Nah, I’m team Carlisle all the way.

In all seriousness, this took me so long to write out since I’m in that stage of life where there’s no free time 😭

But, regardless, here’s a fic that no one asked for (and hopefully won’t mind 👀). So, uh… enjoy :)

『••✎••』

Funny, how the world works, how fate works.

The day you had first laid eyes on him, you could tell immediately there was something different about him, something... strange. Stranger than strange.

A simple hospital visit, a clumsy fall down the stairs, and here you were, stuck in a place of healing with the smell of antiseptics and disinfectant all around you. For a simple wrist sprang, being around deathly ill people who had no sense of common courtesy was the last thing you wanted to experience.

Still, it couldn't be helped, and so you endured. Endured until that one fateful encounter.

When the nurses brought him into the room, you couldn't help but stare. A young, handsome man who looked barely a few years older than you, pale, cold skin that reminded you of the snowy tundras, and bright eyes you swore turned gold in the light.

Strange, yes. Very strange. But a very good kind of strange, the kind of strange that was captivating.

Carlisle Cullen.

You couldn't help but smile as you thought of the name, as the memories came back to you. The first meeting, the second, and then the third. You remembered all of them, every single one, and the way your heart fluttered like a caged bird each time, wanting to break free.

How long had it been since that first meeting? Five months? Six?

You couldn't be sure, but it was enough.

Enough for you to know that you loved him.

How funny, how ironic, how cruel fate was, giving you someone to love and then making it impossible to be with him.

You were just an average girl with average interests and average talents who had a boring, average job that didn't pay much and was living an average life.

But you were human; he was not.

You were a creature that could live, grow, age, and eventually die while he was frozen in time, a beautiful, timeless statue with an old soul that lived a hundred years in the span of one.

You knew this, he knew this, and that was what held you both back.

Even though you loved him, even though when he looked at you, his eyes burned with the same emotions you felt, the two of you were still unable to come together.

You would’ve given up had it not been for your own stubbornness, your own will to hold on, to see this through to the end.

He was worth it, and you knew it.

And so, you decided it didn’t matter if your time with him would be short because you would spend it happily, without regret.

After all, a few months spent with him was better than none at all.

You found yourself storming into the hospital, pure determination set on your face as you went up to the reception desk and demanded to know where Carlisle Cullen was.

The nurse gave you an odd look but didn’t question you further, and after giving her the information she needed, she directed you to his office.

You were assured he was filing papers, so you didn’t bother with knocking. Instead, you barged in with the burning desire to make your mark, to make your presence known, to show him, without any doubt, how you felt.

You didn't care if he was startled by your sudden entrance, and as you approached him, he stood up, surprise written on his face.

"I’m done, Carlisle," you said, your tone final, a declaration. "I’m so done."

He tilted his head in confusion.

Your hands came to a fist as you rested them against his desk, eyes narrowed and burning.

"I'm done holding back," you said, voice steady. "If you don’t kiss me right now, I'll never forgive you."

Your name came out as a soft sigh from his lips, and you couldn’t stop the shudder that ran through you at the sound of it. The mellow, gentle tone that held your entire being was always catching you off guard, even after all this time.

It wasn’t fair; it really wasn't.

"Kiss me, goddamnit!" You yelled at him, the demand clear in your tone.

And, like always, he denied you. In fact, he practically told you to shut up in his own way by bringing attention that you were still… quite literally, in the hospital.

You didn’t care. It was obvious by the way you kept going at him, demanding he take action.

And then, a gush of wind.

Your eyes widened, and before you could utter a word, the door from behind slammed shut. Not enough to create a loud bang, but enough to get your attention, and when you looked over, his arm was extended out, hand resting on the door.

Just inches away from your head.

Your heart skipped a beat as you looked up at him.

He was towering over you completely, and the proximity made your breathing hitch. His gaze was intense and golden, and it burned right through you like it always did. But you weren’t scared, not even the slightest bit.

This was what you wanted, after all.

So you kept silent and waited for him to make the first move. Any move, really.

A few seconds passed, and then, ever so slowly, he lowered his head. But he didn't lean down far enough, no. Instead, his face inched closer and closer to yours until, finally, all you could see were his eyes.

And all you could think about was his lips.

"As much as I want to," he began, voice soft and smooth. "You and I both know it's not that easy."

"Yes, it is," you retorted, stubborn. "You're just making it hard."

"I'm being realistic."

"Realistic? Really?" Your face twisted into a scowl. "Says the man who's not even human."

"That's precisely why," he said. "You’re…"

His voice quivered, just slight enough to be noticeable. It made your heart ache, and you were ready to interrupt him, to say that it didn’t matter; nothing else did.

But you stopped yourself.

It was only right to hear what he had to say.

"You truly wish to want… this? To give up the happiness of your future, the family you deserve, to be drowned in sorrow, all for me?"

His words were sincere, his voice quiet, and the expression on his face was one you could barely comprehend.

"Drowned…? Drowned?!" You echoed his words; brows knitted in a deep frown. "Carlisle, I'm already drowning! Right now!"

You paused, trying to calm yourself, but you could feel tears prickling your eyes. This wasn’t how you had imagined it going.

"It hurts," you confessed, voice low. "It hurts me that you don’t understand, that you think so little of yourself."

Carlisle's breath caught, and his lips parted in surprise, but you weren’t finished yet.

"It hurts me that you think I could ever be happy without you," you continued, your voice rising a bit. “Carlisle, I have found happiness in you. I am happy with you. The day we met, I was a wreck; my wrist was a wreck… everything was a wreck. But then you came, and now, now I'm happy. You make me happy."

The look on his face was unreadable, but it didn’t deter you from speaking your mind.

"Why can’t you see that? Why can’t you see that you’ll always be twice the man than any other human being out there?"

Silence.

He didn’t answer, and the longer the silence stretched, the more your heart hurt. Carlisle was a good man; he was. He was a good doctor, a good father, and, of course, a good-looking guy.

He deserved the world.

And if the world couldn't give it to him, you would.

"If you can't see it, then fine," you finally spoke, and it was almost a whisper. "Then I'll do it for you. I'll tell you every day. I'll keep telling you until it sticks."

The corners of your mouth tugged upwards into a shaky smile.

"Even if I have to keep yelling at you."

He exhaled, and suddenly, he looked much more relaxed, and you realized that you had gotten through to him.

It made the tears that were gathering in your eyes spill over.

"At least I know you wouldn’t toss me aside when my personality eventually overpowers my looks," you mumbled, laughing.

"Toss you aside?"

There was a sudden, sharp edge to his tone, and when his hand came to rest under your chin, gently, carefully, your eyes shot up, staring into his own.

You didn't realize it, but the way you looked at him, the expression on your face, it made him see something different, something he never expected.

A woman who loved him. Truly, sincerely, deeply, and completely.

He couldn’t believe it, and yet, you were right there, in front of him, your eyes shining and reflecting nothing but adoration and admiration.

Your eyes were shining, but not with sadness, no, not anymore.

It was a beautiful sight, one he would remember for all of eternity.

"I'd be a fool to do that," he whispered, his tone sincere, and when his other hand came up, his fingers brushing over your cheek, a featherlight touch, he could hear your breath catch.

"A complete and utter fool."

You watched the smile grow on his lips, and it was so beautiful, it was unreal.

But this, the feeling of his hand on your skin, the coldness contrasted by the warmth of your own body, the gentleness of his touch, it was surreal.

"Carlisle," you murmured, and he was still staring at you, but there was a new intensity in his gaze. "Let me give you the happiness you deserve. Let me."

You took a small step forward, and his hand was still resting under your chin. You didn't dare move or speak again, not until you could read his face, the expression on his features.

It was difficult, however, and just when you thought he wouldn't say anything, he spoke.

"I can't guarantee the future or the happiness," he admitted. "Not for myself, and not for you, but-"

"But?" You couldn’t help but smirk.

"I can try," he answered. "For your sake, I'll try."

You should’ve expected the response after that, the speed at which his hand moved from your cheek to the back of your neck, pulling you forward, and his other hand, moving downwards to rest on the small of your back.

You should've, but you didn't.

All you could do was stare at him, your eyes widening, and just when you opened your mouth to speak, to say something, anything, his lips were on yours, and all the coherent thoughts left you.

You could hear the thumping of your heart, loud, thundering, and it drowned out all the other sounds around you.

He was gentle and careful, and the kiss was nothing more than a brief, feather-light press of his lips, but it was enough. It was enough to set your whole body on fire, to have you lean in, to have your hands come up, grasping onto his lab coat for dear life.

You could feel the coldness of his skin, but the taste of his lips was indescribable.

He tasted sweet, like vanilla, and the longer his lips were on yours, the more the flavor lingered until you couldn’t remember how your own lips had ever tasted.

When he finally pulled away, it was as if the world was spinning and all the strength left your body.

"We're not in the clear just yet," he murmured, his gaze still intense, and it sent a shiver down your spine. "There are many things we have to talk about and many things to work out, but-"

"Carlisle," you breathed out, your grip on his coat tightening. "Don’t talk. Just relish."

You leaned forward, and he did the same, his eyes fluttering shut, and as your lips connected with his, your mind was filled with a single thought.

This.

This was right.

It was perfect, and the world was a better place.

The funny thing about fate is that if two people are meant to be, no matter the time, the place, or the circumstances, they'll find each other.

The two of you were living proof.

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dogstarmoonheart · 4 months ago

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the marauders snapchat s.3 pt.3

hiya, think im out of my lil slump now;)

“it’s forever now. glad you held her, her, glad you held him. Glad you held me too, though I did know how to be closer to you” - Lomelda

*kiiisses*

i do not oen the rights to any of the original images. They were all taken from Pinterest

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wildflower-otome · 2 years ago

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[Translation] Clover no Kuni no Alice ~White Calling~ Light Novel - Chapter 4

Act 4 - Red eyes, the sound of gunshots

This was the second time that Alice had entered Clover Tower. The first time she had been there was when she had visited each of the territories right after the move; it didn't appear to have changed all that much since then.

The place the Clover Tower staff members led them to after ascending up the tower's vaunted heights was a large room almost at the highest point of it.

'.....This is the meeting place?'

'Yes, that's right. Each of the territories have seating allocated to them. This is our area here.'

The Hatter, who was wearing formal wear especially for the assembly, pointed out some nearby seats as if it were a pain. The hands that normally wore white gloves, were now enveloped in gray ones.

'And, those over there are for Heart Castle. Those there are for the Forest—and the largest seating area is for the event organiser's side.'

Dressed stylishly in a black suit that gave him a considerably different air than his usual clothes did, Elliot gave a rough explanation while pointing out the nearby seating areas.

Alice's appearance as she nodded was not her usual apron dress. She had on a dress with a black and green gradation of colour. Although the base colour was black, the places where it was decorated here and there with lace gave it a more showy impression.

That was Blood for you. He was never off the mark when it came to his taste in women's clothing.

'Hmm…'

She looked around her, but it appeared that there was still a little more time until the assembly began. There weren't yet many people in attendance.

In the Heart Castle section, the maids and soldiers were of course there, but the role holder group had yet to make their appearance. The Cat and Mouse that lived in the Forest had both appeared a moment ago, however…after an exchange it seemed Pierce had said something careless again. Not long after the Cat picked up a knife and fork and began to run, the two of them disappeared from the meeting place.

Although no one else was sitting down, Blood had carelessly taken a seat and was already complaining as if there was nothing else so tiresome.

'Ah, what a pain. To think that my tea times are being taken away for something like this….I just want to go back to the Mansion already.'

'I totally get it, Blood. Tea's your favourite after all. It's really tough on me too, since I can't have my carrot dishes whenever I want.'

'Don't put my tea and your orange coloured stuff in the same category.'

'Not being able to eat the stuff you like is torture! I get it, I absolutely get it, Blood.'

'.....Haah, do as you please.'

A rabbit that spoke as if he had a complete understanding of his boss' feelings, and a master who gave it up as hopeless at his subordinate's mismatching conversation.

They were a team entirely out of sync.

'Oh, speaking of which…where are Dee and Dum? They were with us just a moment ago.'

They had definitely been there as they had climbed the Tower's staircase, but now the eye-catching red and blue were nowhere to be seen. She had been worried since they didn't appear to have any intention at all of changing into their new outfits, no matter how much time went by, but the fact that they didn't seem to be around at all was likely much worse.

In contrast to Alice who was looking around for them, Blood spoke as if it were no big deal.

'Just leave them be. Knowing them, they're probably playing and chasing around Pierce with the Cat again.'

'"Playing", you say…..but the assembly is about to begin, isn't it? Is it alright to be so blasé about it?'

It was an event of enough importance that her master, who very much disliked being inconvenienced, had to leave his Mansion in order to participate. Despite that, to not attend simply because you were caught up in playing…..to break the rules for that sort of reason had to be a problem.

Seeing Alice's worry, Elliot waved his hand back and forth as if to say it was fine.

'No need to worry. They'll show up eventually. Kinda pisses me off how good those guys are at turning up just in time.'

'But…..'

'You're a bit of a worry wart, aren't you…..Hmm?'

The facial expression of the man who had plunked down into his chair shifted a little.

At the innermost desk. A slight bit of tension ran through the men who had been standing around it.

'Hmph…..looks like he's finally decided to make an appearance. Nightmare must have a pretty high opinion of himself to make me wait.'

'Yeah. Making Blood wait like this is outrageous! C'mon, Alice. You sit down too.'

Just as Alice timidly went to sit in the seat behind Blood and Elliot that he had pointed to, there was a further ruckus in the meeting room.

'B-Boris, Boris! The assembly is about to begin-!'

'Tch-.....just a little longer and I woulda had you-!'

The Cheshire Cat and the Dormouse entered in a flurry, in the same way they had noisily left. As Alice snuck a peek at them, Boris noticed her and gave a little wave.

The outfits the two of them were in were also likely especially for the meeting. The suits they were wearing were mainly black.

Not long after a familiar woman's voice echoed from yet another entrance.

'.....Feh, how irritating…..who on earth would come to such a pointless event because they want to?'

'Those are the rules after all. I, too, do not wish to come to such a germ-ridden place.'

'Now, now. It's the rules so we gotta come, right? Although I'd prefer to be out on a journey in the wide world rather than being closed in a small space like this myself.'

'.....I would have felt a little better about coming if you were not here as well, Ace.'

It was ambiguous as to whether they were on the same page or not.

Each of them complaining in their own way, the group of three made their way to their assigned seats.

Alice couldn’t help but give an amused smile seeing the one person wearing a red suit, despite the fact that almost everyone else was wearing black ones.

Even though he already usually wore red on a daily basis anyway, he at least could have worn something different at a time like this…..that was what she thought in spite of herself, as she looked at the Knight who was laughing loudly and refreshingly even now.

But now that she thought about it, it wasn’t just him.

‘............’

Her gaze was directed towards the man sitting in front of her.

‘Ah, I’m so tired. Let’s just get this over and done with.’

Although when it came to the clothes of the man acting the most self-importantly, yet lethargically at the Hatter Mansion table, perhaps she wasn’t one to talk. It was true that they were black instead of his usual white, but his overall image hadn’t changed at all.

The roses and place cards on his hat were the same as always, and though the card suit symbols were now monotone colours, the basics hadn’t changed. There were even card symbols on the sleeves of his black suit, as if it to match with the ones on his hat.

‘This is what our Boss is wearing after all.’

Elliot looked pretty different than usual, but if she looked more closely at the suit the Cheshire Cat was wearing, it was a little on the revealing side so there didn’t appear to be much of a change there, the main difference was the black in place of the fluffy pink.

Alice’s misgivings towards the assembly only increased, but as if to bring about a change in her mindset, two shadows came up to the final table.

‘Ah, I feel sick…..I’m gonna throw up.’

‘Please don’t say such discouraging things just before the meeting’s about to begin. You are the chairman this time, Lord Nightmare.’

One was a tall man, who gave a somewhat stern impression. Alice already knew his name. He was the role holder known as “The Lizard” in this world, Gray Ringmarc.

And following after him was one other man. He was someone whose face Alice knew well. It appeared his sickly looking complexion was the same as always.

The man who looked unwell to the point it seemed as if he might faint even now was the “Dream Demon”, Nightmare Gottschalk. He was a role holder that had the power to control dreams and read the hearts of others.

In the Country of Hearts, she had only ever seen him in dreams, but she had met him many times in reality since arriving in this country. Although, each time they met he would cough up blood or faint..it seemed as if he was always in poor health. Partially because he had the tall Gray at this side, his thin and stooped appearance made him seem even more unreliable.

Once the two of them had reached their seats, Gray was the first to speak.

‘Now then, we shall begin the assembly. To start with, the event holder Lord Nightmare Gottschalk shall give his opening address.’

‘.....R-Right.’

In contrast to his subordinate’s dignified lead, the designated territory leader appeared to be flustered. He awkwardly stood up, clearly nervous even from an outsider’s point of view. Not only that, the already pallid colour of his face further paled, to the point that even Alice who was sitting far away could tell. He seemed about to collapse even now.

‘Let’s see, may today…..be an auspicious-, ah, what was it again….’

‘............’

‘Thank you…ah, for gathering here- no that wasn’t it…um…..’

No that wasn’t it, and it wasn’t that either…he continued to mumble.

What Nightmare was saying was beginning to sound more like a list of words than a speech. No, it was more like the unnecessary words he spoke outnumbered what he got out of his actual speech.

But it appeared he himself had noticed it. Perhaps sensing the exasperation of those around him, or maybe hearing the voices of the hearts of the participants, he spoke covertly to his subordinate who was standing next to him, sighing.

‘H-Hey…..Gray, what was I meant to say after this-’

‘What happened to the cue cards I gave you the previous time period? They had everything written down that you were supposed to do, didn’t they?’

‘As if I would rely on such props as cue cards. I am a distinguished person, using something like that would only make me look uncool.’

He had probably intended to speak secretly, but because of the dead silence around him he was completely audible to everyone. His superior’s desperation in trying to make his speech aside, it was likely the subordinate trying to pacify him had noticed. His shoulders were slumped as if completely dejected.

‘............’

‘Looks like the Lizard’s got his work cut out for him…..I could never look after that caterpillar even if they begged me.’

Unlike Alice, who was lost for words seeing the situation unfold, Blood spoke heedlessly, seeming even bored as he yawned. Taking advantage of the fact that no one else could see, he had his legs crossed and appeared to be completely relaxed.

If they hadn’t been in a meeting room, there was no doubt he would have had a tea cup in hand.

‘.....Is this what assemblies are like?’

‘They are all a little different depending on who the organiser is. You remember the Queen gave the opening address at the ball? In this Tower, it’s because that guy is the territory leader.’

Who cares. Blood seemed so bored that even if she wasn’t Nightmare, she could hear the voice in his heart loud and clear. Elliot, who was sitting next to him, nodded his head emphatically in agreement.

‘This is an assembly…..? The event we have to get all dressed up in formal wear to attend?’

She was now gradually coming to understand what Boris had meant when he had said, ‘Once you've been to one once, you'll understand exactly what they're like.’ I see, it definitely was the sort of thing where experiencing it directly was better than trying to imagine it.

And it also wasn’t something she could have been prepared for beforehand.

‘If I remember right….this won’t be the only assembly, will it?’

‘That’s correct…..they will be conducted again and again so long as the period of instability continues. What a nuisance.’

Speaking as if he were exhausted, Blood lowered the brim of his hat. She couldn’t help but suspect he was about to take a nap, but in this kind of situation perhaps it was bound to happen.

‘As I told you, this is the first one, so if I could get you to say a few words of greeting to open the event, on this occasion that should suffice.’

‘A few words!? You're telling me to say something that will sum up this entire event in just a few words!? Ah…..I’ve been so nervous, I wanna throw up now…’

‘Lord Nightmare…..’

Unable to put the instructions from his subordinate into practice, the event organiser was still dawdling.

And as he did, a loud tongue clicking could be heard from a place that wasn’t the event organiser’s area.

‘Feh, what a pain—It would be better to cut off his head, that would solve the problem…..’

She had a feeling she had heard the voice of the Queen complaining, her hand clenching tighter around her golden sceptre.

‘.....This makes me a little worried about what will end up happening next…..’

‘That’s why I told you. Assemblies are a bother. They don’t need to be about anything. The only thing needed is the truth that we gathered and held a discussion of some kind. There is nothing more pointless, wouldn’t you agree?’

While listening to the person in charge speak as his shoulders trembled, Alice seriously began to worry which would come first, Nightmare coughing up blood and collapsing, or somehow or other finishing his speech.

***

‘I’m exhausted…’

She closed the door with a small bang.

Alone in the room she had been given with her first assembly finally at its end, while knowing that she wasn’t being very ladylike, Alice collapsed onto her bed.

Even though there was still physical strength remaining in her body, she keenly felt that this was more of a kind of mental exhaustion. It would be a fool's task to try and count the number of times she had felt the energy drain out of her back there.

In the end, Nightmare had coughed up blood and fainted the second he finally finished his speech, the discussion had been adjourned soon after. As Nightmare was carried away, his white face pale as death, even Alice hadn't been sure if he was dead or alive, but it appeared to be a situation the people of the Tower well used to. Efficiently placing him onto a stretcher, he was swiftly taken to the hospital.

Although, ever since she had first met him in the Country of Hearts he had always talked about how much he hated hospitals, so she had a feeling he would try to escape even while throwing up blood once he found out where he had been taken…but his admirable subordinates would definitely do something about that when he did, for sure.

'Anyone, even if they weren't Blood, would be tired out from that.'

Though she was physically awake, the reason she was still discomposed mentally might be because she was still nervous. Wanting to become even a little more accustomed to this world, Alice was aware that she was overthinking things.

No matter how many hundreds of time periods she had spent here, Alice couldn't escape from being categorised as an Outsider. She had decided she had wanted to remain here even so, and did not want to be repelled from this world.

'.....Ah, how depressing…..'

Thinking that she was still as pathetic as ever despite how long it had been since she had come here from her original world, Alice couldn't help but sigh. Even if she had known that the assemblies were meaningless beforehand, Alice would likely still have come to this place if it meant she could be together with everyone from Hatter Mansion.

Alice was aware of the fact that the move had caused within her an excessive anxiety greater than any she had felt before. That she wouldn't be able to see them anymore the moment they were apart…that feeling of worry wouldn't disappear.

Just as Alice became lost in thought in the dimly lit room, the sudden sound of a knock at the door caused her to get up in a fluster.

'Ah…..yes?'

'.....Alice, are you there?'

'? Blood?'

Though it was a little muffled from the other side of the door, she wouldn't easily mistake the distinct low toned voice. Quickly smoothing down the creases in her skirt as she moved away from the bed, she undid the lock.

As expected, the one standing there on the other side of the door, an ironic smile on his face, was the Hatter. There didn't appear to be anyone else with him.

It seemed he had come to visit Alice by himself.

'What is it? Don't you need to prepare for the next assembly?'

'Prepare for the assembly? Elliot will take care of something like that on his own. There is no need for me to do it personally.'

Using the tip of his cane to push up the brim of his hat with a smooth motion, Blood gave a sly grin.

'More importantly, young lady…..how was your first assembly?'

'Do you even need to ask…..you must already know. I'm exhausted.'

Even though he'd had his back turned to her the entire time, he was a perceptive man. He could surely tell that she was thoroughly worn out. He didn't even need to really hear her answer.

As Alice answered exasperatedly, the Hatter’s smile only deepened as he made a suggestion.

'Of course, of course. I'm also exhausted myself—so don't you think we both need a change of pace?'

'Like a tea party?'

When it came to what he enjoyed the most, that had to be it. Since Alice worked as a maid, she knew that tea leaves and tea sets were included in the luggage brought from Hatter Mansion. For a whimsy of Blood's, it was almost to be expected in this case.

However, still smiling at Alice's words, he nodded his head.

'Yes, I want to drink tea right now. You'll join me, won't you?'

'If that's all, I don't mind…..should we go to your room, Blood?'

Knowing him, he might have already given the order to one of his associates to prepare the tea. That had been what she thought when she asked, but Blood shook his head.

'No. There's nothing wrong with the tea we've brought but…..we've already come all the way to Clover Town. Why don't we go out and have a look around?'

'............'

'I want to go on an outing, just the two of us.'

'Blood.'

'Hm? What is it, young lady?'

Exasperated at his roundabout way of saying things, the girl who knew him well spoke.

'There's a shop that serves rare tea in this town, isn't there? And, you want to go and try some of it, right?'

'So glad you understand.’

He grinned.

With a happy looking smile on his face that he had not shown at all during the assembly, Blood nodded. Alice thought to herself that guys that never just came out and said what they meant were a pain.

'It's alright with me if we're just going out for tea but…..what about Elliot?'

Whenever Blood went out he was normally accompanied by his trusted confidant. Alice usually only kept him company at tea parties and meals held within the Mansion. Until now, they hadn't really gone out somewhere together before.

At her question, Blood frowned as if he had heard something unpleasant. He answered with something of a sigh.

'Are you saying that not only must I put up with his orange objects at the Mansion… but outside of it as well? Forget about a change of pace, that would only make me feel worse.'

'.....You might be right there.'

Because he was a rabbit, she could understand Elliot's deep love for all things carrot, but that didn't necessarily mean she wanted to join him. Rather, if she were to accompany him, she'd end up so immersed in them it wouldn't be surprising if rabbit ears were to suddenly sprout out of her head.

‘Alright. I’ll come with you. I was looking for a bit of a change of pace myself.’

‘Glad to hear it. Well then, let us leave at once.’

In order to follow the smiling Hatter, Alice walked on the other side of him.

She thought to herself that her relationship with this man was a strange one. Though they had spent a fair amount of time together ever since she had been allowed to stay on a whim, it had never gone past certain boundaries.

For a boss and employee, they were too familiar with each other.

They were too close to just be friends.

But their relationship lacked the emotion for romance.

While Alice was pondering exactly how to describe what they were to each other, she and Blood descended down Clover Tower.

As they went out the exit, the light around them was dim, the sky above now pitch black. Before she had realised it, it had become night. While thinking that it was no wonder then that Blood, who hated daytime, had suggested going out, the girl tilted her head.

'By the way, where exactly is the place we're going to?'

The only restaurant Alice knew of that was near Clover Tower was the fish place Boris had led her to the last time she had been here. The area around Heart Castle, as well as the surroundings near Hatter Mansion where she lived, were places she knew well, but this territory wasn't one she was familiar with yet.

Blood was by no means an active person, but he had a reputation for the scope and accuracy of his information. Especially when it came to tea, there was no possibility of him being off the mark.

'It's close by to the Tower—heh, heheh. I heard it's their own unique Assam blend…Ah, I'm looking forward to finding out what it tastes like.'

While sighing at Blood, whose thoughts were already full of nothing but tea, Alice continued to follow after him.

***

'Ah…this tea is even more sublime than I thought...to think there was such a hidden gem in Clover Town…..what a waste.'

A teacup in one hand, the Hatter continued his speech in a rapture.

He was normally so lethargic, but when it came to tea it was like he was a different person.

It was to the point that even Alice, who was used to seeing the drastic change, was never quite sure how to respond.

Alice had also sampled the same tea, and the fragrance and flavour were both of a high quality, to be sure. If it was this delicious to Alice, who had grown used to having good tea at both Hatter Mansion and Heart Castle, then it was even more rare for him to look so satisfied. It appeared that the tea they had been given was a product of a level to please even the picky Hatter.

'The colour, the smooth bitterness of it…..it has a wonderful balance.'

'.....You're right, it is delicious.'

Nonetheless, no matter how good the tea was, a Mafia Boss gazing intently at a tea cup as if in love was rather an odd sight. Because of his conspicuous hat and black suit, the customers around them had likely already realised who he was before he had even announced himself. Although for now, they weren't showing any signs of reacting, as if to say that it was better to let sleeping Mafia lie, or something of the sort.

She wasn't quite sure whether to remonstrate with him that he should think of his reputation as a loyal subordinate, or to let him do as he pleased as her boss.

'I've heard the shopkeeper makes this blend himself, but do you not think he is uncommonly skilled, Alice?'

He spoke as if asking her a question, but whether he was actually hearing anything else Alice was saying was not at all clear.

She was well aware that he was a man who easily lost his reason when it came to tea…..as for herself, no matter how much detailed knowledge regarding it she was made to hear, she didn't think she had the ability to love tea as much as he did, rather, it was getting a bit…..no it was becoming very tiring.

'Umm…..Ah, Blood, I'll be back in just a moment.'

'Yes, see you soon, young lady…..heh, heheheh.'

'............'

When he was like this, it would be useless no matter what she said. Giving it up as impossible, Alice stood up from her seat.

The shop was a small cafe run by a single person. The menu consisted of a few types of tea and sweets that it appeared to specialise in. Though it was right near Clover Tower, it was a small scale shop.

Even so, perhaps because word had spread about how good the tea was here, it had been almost full when they had arrived. The seats Alice and Blood had been given were at a small table near the entrance. The Mafia Boss had said nothing. He was likely unconcerned in the face of the tea's reputation.

'Excuse me. I'd like to get some of these sweets to go...'

'Ah, yes. Which would you like?'

Speaking to the cafe owner across the counter, she picked out a few.

For Elliot, who even now was probably working and running around busily she chose cake with plenty of carrot mousse, and for the Twins she decided to buy some pudding.

'How much are they?'

'Ah, payment is of no concern. That is…..your companion advised me to send any bills to the Mansion.'

The shopkeeper spoke as if troubled, their gaze directed behind her. It appeared he had predicted that Alice would buy souvenirs for the others. Even if he had currently lost himself in tea, he was the kind of man who always got the drop on people when it came to things like this, to the point it was almost annoying.

'.....Is that so.'

'Yes. Therefore, you need not worry about it.'

He may have been a troublesome and unusual guest, but at the very least the shopkeeper likely knew that the tea he was so proud of was being properly appreciated. He seemed pleased, his chest puffed up with pride.

As Alice thanked him and was about to return to her seat—almost as if waiting for that exact moment, the bell at the entrance rang. It appeared a new customer had arrived.

'Welcome, please come this way.'

The shop owner gestured with his hand to show the way, in order to greet the customer, but the customer was not looking at him.

'............'

He was glaring at the man wearing the peculiar hat sitting at a seat close by to the entrance.

In the same way, the hat wearing man was looking up at the youth with the long ears that had suddenly made his appearance.

'Geh.'

The noise Alice had involuntarily made hadn't been very ladylike, but who could blame her?

Why did the Prime Minister of Heart Castle, who was the furthest thing from outgoing, and the Hatter Family Boss, who, in the same way, only went out at night, have to come across each other in a place like this?

It had taken just an instant for the atmosphere to become tense.

Heh…as he laughed, there was not so much as a hint of the enraptured look the Hatter had had when gazing at his tea a moment ago. Hearing him laugh in a way that made him sound every bit like a Mafia Boss, Alice had a bad feeling.

During the assembly period, the different powers must not openly fight. That was the rule under the pact, but it was these men involved. It was possible they would easily break such a rule on a whim.

‘Oh, if it isn’t the Prime Minister. Sir Peter White. Have you been in good spirits?’

‘Not since seeing you here.’

On the other hand Peter was not at all hiding his animosity. Looking cold, he plainly displayed on his face that he had not wanted to see him.

As Alice nervously made her way to them, the men glanced at her for a moment, then went back to glaring at each other.

The feeling of tension crackled between them like invisible fireworks scattering in the air.

Leisurely putting his hands together on top of the table, the Hatter spoke again.

‘You’re just as hot-tempered a rabbit as always. Have I perhaps done something to make you hate me?’

‘Your very existence is what I hate.’

‘.....Why would you hate him so much?’

It wouldn’t do to cause a scene in a place like this. So thinking she stepped in between them, and at last Peter’s red eyes reflected Alice.

Looking as if they were lamenting something, or as if troubled, even in a time like this the red eyes were beautiful, without any impurity.

Just as she was thinking they were still beautiful eyes after all, the White Rabbit answered while sounding reluctant.

‘Part of it is because he is always hitting on you…..and also I believe his character and mine overlap.’

And then-

Both Alice and Blood unmistakably came to a complete stop for a moment.

‘Wha-…..’

‘.....Hah?’

While the two of them were at a loss for words, the White Rabbit was clearly greatly aggrieved about something.

‘Ah, this is truly terrible. Honestly..why do I and such a man have to-’

‘............’

Paying little attention to the discontented Rabbit, both of their trains of thought arrived at the same conclusion.

Blood Dupre was a Mafia Boss, the Hatter who had a habit of saying, ‘How tiring.’

On the other hand, Peter White was the Prime Minister of Heart Castle, the White Rabbit whose motto was, ‘Alice, I love you.’

Their positions, personalities, speech, actions, looks. Just about everything…..were not at all similar. She couldn’t think of a single thing about them that overlapped.

But it was without a doubt that this White Rabbit had gotten the idea that they did. Troublingly, it appeared that he was for real.

‘Uh-…umm, what exactly is similar about you?’

‘...I would like to know that too. What part of us is in any way alike?’

While Alice’s thought processes were still only half functional, Blood asked the question with an incomparably serious look on his face.

Nevertheless, it seemed that Peter did not understand the question itself.

‘Eh? Do you even need to ask?’

Speaking louder as if surprised, he asserted himself yet again.

‘We’re too similar…’

‘Um, like I said, what part of you is-?’

Whether their characters actually overlapped or not, that wasn’t something she could do anything about, however when a person was made to hear something so completely unexpected, it was a given they wouldn’t be able come to a conclusion straight away.

‘Almost everything! Almost everything is too similar-! It is almost a perfect example of characters overlapping too much-!’

‘We’re…similar? In what way?’

Appearing to have regained his composure faster than Alice, Blood asked as if exasperated while tilting his head.

However in this case, it was likely the only one who could understand Peter’s words was Peter himself. Alice was also tilting her head in confusion.

‘Ah, Alice, the reason you get along with that man must be because he is so similar to me, right!? That there are similarities, that we overlap…I understand.’

‘There is nothing about you that’s similar.’

As expected, Alice’s flat denial did not appear to have reached the long ears at all.

‘Ah, how humiliating..! It is just too humiliating…..to be so similar to a man like this-...’

In opposition to Peter, who was lamenting like he was the main character in a tragedy, it appeared the Hatter was puzzling it over, his face looking serious in a way that it usually never did.

‘.....You and I are similar…..’

She wondered if she had ever heard him sound so gloomy.

‘Even though you’ve only said that we’re similar, I wonder why. I feel as if I’ve been insulted in the worst way possible..’

‘...It is the same for me. Your very existence is an insult to me…..if only you would just disappear…..’

The person similar to me is right in front of me, but I can’t erase them.

That was what Peter muttered to himself, but there was no one around who would agree with him.

‘You’re not at all alike, so I don’t think you need to erase him.’

Alice said the same thing again and again, but she had no way of knowing if the White Rabbit could even hear her words.

‘Um, excuse me…..sir, what about your order?’

She had a feeling she had heard the shop owner speak as if not sure what to do, but at this moment neither Alice nor Blood had the words to answer him.

***

…..Clang clang….

‘Haah…’

As if encouraged onwards by the sound of the bell attached to the door, Alice and the others left the shop.

Even though they had gone out to relieve the exhaustion caused by attending the assembly, why was she so tired?

Alice had almost forgotten the cakes she had bought as souvenirs, but Blood hadn’t. As expected of a tea maniac, it did not escape Alice’s notice that he made sure to talk with the shop owner about future business dealings before they left. The shrewd Mafia boss would of course never miss the chance to obtain the things he wanted.

The pride she had heard in the shopkeeper's voice as he said that while he was not able to sell the tea in large quantities as a sole proprietor, he could supply them with a small quantity, probably wasn’t just her imagination. There was probably no person on earth who wouldn’t feel happy to have their own special tea blend praised by such an unparalleled lover of tea. At the very least, he did not appear to be doing it reluctantly, because he felt intimidated.

‘Well then, shall we return to the Tower?’

‘Alright.’

Outside, the curtain of night still covered the sky. It could be said that it was a relatively long night for a world where one was never sure when the next time period change would be.

However, the man who should have been in a comparatively good mood when it was nighttime was looking displeased as he called out to the other man nearby.

‘And so…..how long do you intend to keep on following me, Lord Prime Minister?’

‘How revolting…..please do not insult me. I do not care at all about you. I would like to be far away from the man whose character overlaps with mine as soon as possible.’

The White Rabbit who had left the shop just after Alice was glowering, looking extremely irritated. Even if the black suit he wore blended in, the colour of his red necktie alone stood out indistinctly against the darkness of the night.

‘I am only here to be near Alice. I am sure you can go on ahead by yourself if you have a problem with that, Blood Dupre.’

‘............’

While grimacing at the conversation of the two men, which seems to only grow more risky sounding the more it continued, Alice made an attempt at interjecting.

‘Umm…..so, are you staying in one of the rooms at Clover Tower too, Peter?’

‘Yes. Truth be told, I do not wish to stay at such a germ-ridden place, even temporarily…..Ah, but of course, I have already sanitised everything. Do not worry, it is just as clean as my room at the Castle.’

He smiled brightly.

The cold expression that he had on his face when talking to Blood completely gone, Peter answered her honestly. That it was making his mood only worse may have been intentional, or unintentional, both were possibilities where Peter was concerned.

‘Therefore, please come visit me at Clover Tower too with your mind at ease, Alice. I shall keep it clean so that you may come at any time.’

‘.....Th-Thank you.’

She wasn’t sure exactly what she was thanking him for, but as she replied in reflex, Peter smiled as if happy.

‘Hmph…..I do not care at all about your room being this or that, Prime Minister, but I would have you refrain from speaking so familiarly with one of my people.’

‘Oh, are you jealous, Blood Dupre?’

‘Jealousy has nothing to do with it. As the head of Hatter Mansion, I have a duty to watch over her…..in particular, it would be a blot on my reputation as a leader to let any deranged beasts get close to her.’

Though the Hatter’s voice should have sounded as it always did, the clear ill humour in it made her skin prickle. His figure against the dark of the night together with his black suit truly gave him the air of an inhabitant of the night.

Nevertheless, Peter was also no stranger when it came to sarcasm. Smiling faintly, his mouth twisted a little.

'To begin with, I believe the real problem here is that Alice is living with the likes of the Mafia. If she were to reside at Heart Castle, the doors—Alice!'

'Huh?'

Faster than the girl, who was still surprised at having her name called all of a sudden, could understand what was happening, Peter hurled himself at Alice, pushing her out of the way.

'-!? P-Peter, what-.....!'

As Alice looked up in astonishment, bullets cut through the air in the place the girl had just been, burying themselves in the ground. Seeing that, Alice's face paled in an instant.

In this world, there were many people who fired guns as if it were nothing. Though in particular the influential people known as role holders were chief among them, it was a world where the rate of gun ownership was much higher than you would imagine.

Until now, even when Alice had gotten caught up in the role holders' gun battles, bullets had never come her way. However these bullets had clearly been aimed at her. If Peter hadn't protected her, there would probably be bullet holes in her body right now.

'Alice…..please wait a moment, alright?'

After looking at the still frozen Alice with concern, Peter stood up, changing his golden pocket watch into its gun form.

They had only just left the cafe, so there was still some distance until they reached the main street. As it was the night time period, there should have been almost no one around.

Nevertheless, in the place where there should have been no one, a number of shadows could be seen within the darkness. It wasn't just one or two. There were likely more than ten of them. Because of the darkness she couldn't see too clearly, but the clothes they were wearing appeared to be different from those of any territory that she knew.

'.....Blood Dupre, these appear to be guests of yours.'

'So it would seem…..but let me confirm one thing first. Are you sure they are not your subordinates, your Excellency? If they are your assassins, I trust you will not mind if I crush these cards of yours? Although, even if you were to refuse, I don't plan on holding back.'

The black cane the Hatter carried had already changed into a machine gun decorated with roses.

Neither of them facing the other, the two role holders continued their dangerous conversation.

'I would never send assassins that would harm Alice. Besides…..their fates were sealed the moment they dared aim their guns at her.'

'Exactly. I am glad that we can at least agree on that…..The only thing to do now is to put an end to these uninvited guests.'

Kachak.

The man holding the machine gun spoke, as a slight smile rose to his face in the dark night.

There wasn't a single trace of the smile of the tea crazy man from earlier, nor any sign of the gloom from being told his character was similar not long ago.

It was only the face of a Mafia Boss who had decided to destroy his enemies.

'Alice. Stay back where you are—try not to carelessly move around.'

His finger on the trigger, that was the last thing Blood before he smiled and-

Bang bang bang bang-!!!

Pointing his gun out into the night's darkness, he pulled the trigger. At the same time, Peter also aimed and began to shoot.

'How dare you point a gun at my beloved…..you deserve a thousand deaths. Die.'

Bang bang!

While Blood finished off opponents in one go with a hail of bullets, Peter dealt certain death to his targets with single shots.

All the same, it wasn't as if their attackers were simply sitting back and allowing themselves to be shot. They advanced towards them, attempting a counterattack. The sounds of shots slicing through the air echoed from here and there.

If the people they were up against had simply been a normal member of the Mafia and a rabbit, the two would have been easily outnumbered. They would have had no chance of winning.

However, the persons in question were the Hatter and the White Rabbit. Both of them were the influential people known as role holders.

'.....Hmph.'

'As if the likes of them would ever be able to land a hit.'

Whether the bullets came fast or slow, it was as nothing to them both. Easily evading their attacks, they brought down each of the enemies in their sights one by one.

'............'

Alice, still huddled behind Peter as he defended her, was shuddering.

No matter how many times she heard them, she couldn't get used to the sound of gunshots. Nor did she want to.

She still found it frightening.

Nevertheless, this was the world she had chosen to remain in.

The underworld side of things that the entire Family, starting with Blood and Elliot were involved in. That aspect of their lives that Alice had never seen before was now spread out before her.

She did not have what it took to refute it.

'Kyah-!?'

Another bullet flew by near to her, and Alice shrank back reflexively. But, Blood and Peter were fighting even in the midst of these countless bullets. She couldn't just keep on standing there shaking.

'.....Something that I could use as cover…..'

In a place like this with no shelter, she would only get in their way.

Scolding her legs that even now seemed about to tremble, Alice slowly stood up.

As she looked around the area a little, she spotted a brick wall near someone's home a short distance back. If she could hide behind that, it would likely be better than where she was now.

Just as Alice drew near to the wall while hearing the sounds of gunshots cutting through the silence of the night-

'! I-I wasn't hit, was I…..?'

The sound of a gun being fired three times echoed in Alice's direction. She had instinctively closed her eyes, but did not suffer any painful injuries.

The bullets had probably missed…..but, just as she was thinking something so optimistic-

'Alice! Get away from there-!'

Crack, together with the sound of something shattering, was Blood's voice, sounding more tense than she had ever heard it before.

Because the sound of something breaking came from above Alice's head—faster than she could heed his warning, she couldn't help but look up.

'Eh-.....!!'

As if slicing through the night sky, something glittered as it fell. An innocent child might have rejoiced, thinking they were stars falling from the sky, but such a thing was impossible in this dangerous wonder world.

The shards of glass originated from the window of the house whose wall Alice had just been about to use as cover. It was as if the remarkably large pieces of glass were aiming for Alice as they fell.

'............'

However, already frightened as she had been from the sound of the gun shots, it was as if her legs were rooted to the spot, and they did not obey her. If she had the time to be leisurely looking up, she should hurry up and run away…..but although she knew that in her head, her body wouldn't move.

Badump, badump, she felt her heart beating louder.

The glass fragments were from the window of a residential home, so while not as large as they could have been, they were still of a size to cause her injury if they were to hit her.

'.............!!'

She felt as if she heard someone shout, as if in anger, in a voice that seemed to shake. All the same, her frozen body could not move an inch.

Closing her eyes as if to avert them from the glittering objects about to hit, Alice braced herself for the certain pain that was about to come.

'.....-!'

However-

The coming impact did not hurt at all.

Rather—unexpectedly, it was as if she were enveloped in something that felt warm and reassuring.

'Alice…..Are you alright?'

'Um-'

As she timidly opened her eyes, the first thing that entered her field of vision was a red necktie. Unpatterned, it was of a different kind to the one the Hatter wore.

When she awkwardly lifted her head, there was-

'Are you injured anywhere? If something happened to you, I…..'

A red colour that did not completely melt into the night.

'.....Peter…?'

It should have been only his eyes and his clothes that were red.

So then—why was there red trickling down his forehead?

'How- Peter, you're wounded!?'

'Ugh-…..I cannot forgive them.'

Each time he moved, the pieces of glass around his feet made a snapping, creaking noise. The fragments as they shattered into smaller pieces did not at all enter into the White Rabbit's field of vision.

The only thing reflected in the red eyes was a weak Outsider, who was still unable to speak properly.

'That they would even think of hurting you…..I shall never forgive them-!'

'! Peter, you mustn't move-!'

Perhaps it was because he was wearing a black suit on a dark night. It was difficult to visually confirm what the stains were, but the moment she grabbed onto his suit, it felt warm and wet to the touch.

'You're so badly injured…..You shouldn't be moving around-'

'Wounds such as these are of no consequence.'

Peter detached the hands that reached out as if to cling on to him, and slowly stood up.

With utmost coldness, and gun in hand—he turned around. The Hatter was in the middle of trying to finish off the remaining enemies on his own.

'These wounds will disappear once the time period changes. However…..it is not the same for you. If you are hurt, you might disappear…..There is no way I can forgive them for daring to do something so foolish!'

With a fierce sounding resolve in his raised voice, he began to walk over to where Blood was. Though his gait was steady to the point one would think he was uninjured, there was no way that was so.

The suit he wore as he turned his back to Alice definitely had some ominous looking stains on it. His wounds were severe. There was no way he wasn't in any pain…..

'Hindrances should stay back. You're in my way.'

'How arrogant…..you are the one who is in my way.'

Even as he continued his quarrel with the Hatter, the White Rabbit did not stop his movements. One after the other, he continued to shoot down enemies.

Each time Peter fired a shot into the darkness of the night, perhaps because of the recoil, droplets of red fell, splashing onto the ground.

‘.....Peter-...’

Her trembling voice was erased by the sound of gunshots. Alice called out the White Rabbit’s name again and again, but he did not once turn around.

‘............’

Badump badump, her heart was beating faster for a different reason than just before. It wasn’t the anxiety one felt in the face of danger.

‘Wh-.....Why?’

These people were after Alice and Blood, members of the Hatter Family. More precisely, their intent to kill was directed towards the Hatter Family itself.

It had nothing to do with Peter, who belonged to Heart Castle.

Despite that, he had protected her, uncaring that he himself would be injured…..even now, he was fighting, gun in hand.

She had to stop him. Even though she thought to herself that she had to make sure he received proper medical attention…..there was no strength in her legs, and she felt pathetic.

‘.....Peter.’

Her heart was racing. Despite thinking that she had to calm down, that she had to return her heartbeat to its normal speed…..now that her heart had already begun to beat faster, there was no slowing it down.

What was making her heart tremble was not fear.

A second time.

The strength of the arms that had protected her, and the warm feeling of his chest.

As she recalled them once more, why was it…..her heart had started to beat so violently?

She was familiar with the theory that sometimes people mistook fear for attraction. However, it wasn’t all that unusual to end up being dragged into gun fights in this world. But, why did she feel so unsettled this time?

This was a frightening situation. But it wasn’t only fright that she was feeling.

—I can do anything if it’s for your sake.—

—I will never forgive anyone who hurts you.—

The words he had spoken as he had softly smiled were whirling around and around in her head.

The voice she had just heard mixed with the one Peter had used when he had said those words in the Forest…..and made a mess of Alice’s emotions.

‘............’

Not knowing what to do with feelings that she did not understand herself, Alice could only watch the backs of the two men until the sound of gunshots stopped.

***

Thud.

After confirming that the last of the enemies had fallen to the ground, the Hatter at last walked towards Alice.

‘Are you alright, Alice?’

‘Yes. I’m fine, but…..Peter, what about you?’

The White Rabbit, who was standing at a place a small distance from the Hatter, finally looked in Alice’s direction at the sound of her voice.

Blood was dripping from his body, even now staining the ground around him. The ghastly looking pools of blood reflected the moonlight.

The white hair and ears that usually swayed softly were faintly tinged with red.

‘This is nothing. Alice, I am glad you are alright.’

As she looked at the gentle and pure smile on Peter’s face, Alice felt a pain in her chest.

‘............’

Right now, he was unrecognisable as the Rabbit who had an excessive love for cleanliness. He was completely covered in wounds. It did not appear that any of them were bullet wounds, but his body had yet to recover from the injuries caused by the glass.

It appeared the White Rabbit had taken a different meaning from the unhappy expression on her face. He started, his eyes opening wide.

‘Alice? Is something wrong? It couldn’t be…..are you hurt somewhere?’

‘............-, I told you not to move around.’

In order to stop the White Rabbit from dashing up to her, Alice drew closer to him instead.

‘.....How horrible….’

Red was trickling from the suit made of thick material. Alice had thought that the wounds weren’t shallow, but they were still deeper than she had thought.

Alice was living in the mansion of a Mafia family, so was accustomed to a certain degree to giving first aid. But injuries like these looked like he needed to be taken to a hospital immediately.

Despite that, the moment Alice went to touch him, Peter raised his voice and spoke.

‘Alice….please don’t touch me. You’ll get dirty.’

‘What are you saying in a situation like this!’

‘But…..you look as if you are about to cry…..As I thought, you must have been hurt somewhere, right? I am worried for you.’

The White Rabbit’s eyes gazed at the hand that had been about to touch him as if puzzled, but it did not seem as if he felt any of his own pain at all.

‘............’

Even though there was no way it didn’t hurt.

‘............’

‘Even if you are not injured, does it hurt somewhere…..Alice? Alice?’

‘.............-’

So then, why…..was he only ever worried about her? This White Rabbit.

If he hadn’t been injured, she would have liked to punch him once or twice.

If it looked as if she was about to cry, it was because of him. That was without a doubt.

‘I’m fine so…..please, hurry and get to a hospital…..’

Alice at last stretched out a trembling hand to touch Peter’s back, but an arm that extended out from the side barred her way.

‘I will have to ask you not to get any closer.’

‘Blood!’

No sooner had he tugged at Alice’s hand, the Hatter stepped in front of her and spoke bluntly in a low voice.

While still carrying the machine gun that had yet to return to its cane form.

‘Stop it, Blood. Peter protected me-’

‘I will acknowledge that. But what will you do once you return to the Tower? Don’t tell me you intend on looking after our Prime Minister here?’

‘Yes. Of course that’s what I’m going to do. Do you have a problem with that?’

Blood spoke blandly, his voice sounding more composed than Alice's had.

The deep and unreadable eyes pierced the girl.

‘—Alice, it concerns me that you would forget. You are a member of the Mansion. That being the case, it is not your place to look after the Prime Minister.’

‘.....But-’

‘Alice.’

It was not at all a loud voice. Rather, compared to when he had called the girl’s name not long ago, it was small sounding enough to be at the level of a murmur.

However, just that one word. Just from having her name called, Alice became unable to move.

Right now, Blood was not before her as a friend. As the head of Hatter Mansion, he was giving his subordinate an order.

'It is fine. Staying any longer with this man will only make me feel worse.'

'Peter…but…..'

'You need not worry. Blood Dupre must have told you as well, these wounds are far from fatal. Injuries such as these will disappear the next time period. It is enough that you are safe.'

Speaking with an expression on his face that was so calm you wouldn't think there was a machine gun pointed in his direction, Peter carefully stepped back and bid Alice a small farewell.

'Well then, Alice. Let us spend a little more time together next time we meet without this man around, alright?'

'It would appear the blood has rushed to your head, Prime Minister. Perhaps I shall need to spill a bit more of it?'

'Blood!'

Bad enough if it were a joke, but in this man's case, she was afraid that he really might do it. The Hatter did shrug his shoulders at being shouted at, but given his personality, it wasn't likely he regretted what he had said.

During that time, the White Rabbit had since moved out of firing range. The shadow that had disappeared into the darkness of the night was no longer visible to Alice.

'My my…..what a pain. I'm exhausted, let us return to our rooms without delay.'

Finally lowering his machine gun, he changed it back into its usual cane form. Seeing him do it, Alice gave a sigh of relief.

'.....Yes, I really am tired.'

'Indeed. By the way, Alice. During the assembly period, many dangerous fights such as this will occur…..It would be best for you to refrain from walking around the town on your own. You must take care.'

'I'll…..do my best.'

Not only her first assembly, but a gun fight as well. Because the agreement to not fight where possible was only in place for the role holders, Alice had to accept that in the end things were still far from peaceful.

'............'

As she followed after the Hatter, Alice suddenly turned around.

Her gaze went to the spot where there were now only silent corpses on the ground, where the White Rabbit had been standing not so long ago.

The stains that would normally have looked red had been absorbed by the darkness of the night, and she could now only see black. Not only that, once the time period changed, the traces of blood would disappear completely as well.

In this world, even dirt would disappear before you realised it.

'.....Peter.'

Though he had protected her even though it meant getting hurt himself, he did not ask for anything. Of course, Alice did not think that the White Rabbit who always said, 'I love you,' again and again had saved her out of self-interest.

But—was that really all right with him?

And, was she really okay letting that be the end of it?

'............'

The blood stains, his injuries…..they would not remain for long. They would likely soon disappear without a trace. Almost as if they had never been in the first place.

The only thing that wouldn't disappear would be the memories of red engraved into Alice's mind. That was what she thought.

'.....What, an idiot…..'

Even though he was an intelligent rabbit. He was always worrying for her, not caring at all that he would be hurt, while she had only trembled, unable to do a thing.

What a troubling White Rabbit he was.

Though the truth was, she had wanted to show her gratitude, even if it was just a little, by saying, ‘Thank you.’

—Alice.—

What was left on the street were remnants of a gun fight.

But, what suddenly came to her mind was not a face grimacing in pain.

It was simply Peter’s smiling face, as he happily called out her name at the Castle.

‘-’

Why was it?

Just remembering that face made her heart beat like crazy.

#heart no kuni no alice #hnkna #translation #alice in the country of clover #otome game #peter white #alice liddell #blood dupre #peter x alice

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freshlypizza · 5 months ago

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The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals if it were a British Comedy

Paul Matthews = Jack Whitehall

Emma Perkins = Diane Morgan

Ted Spankoffski = Mike Wozniak

Bill Woodward = Paterson Joseph

Charlotte Sweetly = Olivia Colman

Alice Woodward = Charlotte Ritchie

Henry Hidgens = Peter Capaldi

Sam Sweetly = Simon Pegg

Only did the main-ish cast, as if I did the extra characters I would be here for a while

This is (technically) a continuation of the Six Idiots as the LiB and i plan to do all the Hatchetfield shows so if you have any suggestions please let me know and I will credit you :)

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frie-ice · 7 months ago

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After I made a crossover ship collage on Disney's animated versions of Alice x Pinocchio, and noticed the artworks of Tiger Lily x Lampwick beside it, I also came across fanart of Peter Pan x Alice (that has their ship also be tagged as "Palice"). So I decided to do a collage on them as well. Unlike the previous two Disney crossover ship collages I did before this one, I decided to throw in their Kingdom Hearts and Mirrorverse counterparts, since they can been featured in the same crossover media.

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jayktoralldaylong · 1 year ago

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You ever think of how Martin defeated Peter with the power of low self-esteem? Peter told him that he was the Hero and Martin thought to himself "He must be lying", because he didn't believe that he could ever be the hero in anyone's story.

You ever think of how the exact opposite happened with Jon because he believed Elias? He believed if he did everything by himself then he could save others from harm, but his actions led to situations that hurt every single person he loved.

Ever think of how Martin is the hero of Jon's story. How Martin inadvertently saves him over and over again just by being....himself. His clumsy, determined and brave self. It's how he doesn't save Jon in the traditional sense, he just reminds him to be human.

Ever think of how Martin ends up the hero of TMA in general because he could sacrifice the person he loved the most to save the world.

It's the contrast between The Hero and the Ordinary Man. The Saviour and The Monster.

A repeat of Basira and Daisy's story. Daisy thought she was the hero killing all the monsters to protect Basira. Until she found the monster in the mirror. The monster staring at the end of Basira's gun, staring at The Hero who had tears running down her face.

This isn't an "I love TMA" thing.

This is an "I wonder if Martin ever realised how amazing he was" thing.

Everyone talks about how Martin was proven right with Peter only using him to get to Elias, but did Martin even take note of when he was proven wrong?

Did he ever realise how incredibly hard it is to do the right thing? That he did it anyway, giving up the one good thing he had left, for the sake of so many others. Even if he expected to die with Jon, did Martin ever realise that he was an amazing hero?

#tma #the magnus archives #jmart #jmartin #tma jmart #jonathan sims #jon sims #jon martin #martin blackwood #eliaspeter #elias bouchard #peter lukas #daisira #alice daisy tonner #basira hussain #tma basira #daisy x basira

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supernightboy08 · 2 years ago

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Same Energy

#peter x alice #jake and the neverland pirates #Alice wonderland bakery #disney junior #Peter pan #disney peter pan #peter pan disney #alice in wonderland disney #alice in wonderland #Disney #same energy #screencap #peter pan and alice

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unconventional-lawnchair · 3 months ago

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We'll heal together: Chapter Six

Seven Taylor Swift

Sirius Black x Reader (Past) / Severus Snape x Reader (Platonic-Past)

Masterlist

Summary: The reader reminisces on some old friends of hers. Harry starts seeing a curious fox.

Cw: Use of {Y/N}, Mean Snape, Slut shaming, Curses, Avery and Mulciber, Fights, mentions of child abuse, toxic friendships (please reach out if I missed something}

Wc- 5462

A/n: This is mostly more filler for the characters relationships

You only stopped when you reached the road. Looking all around, you allowed yourself to transform back. You truly hoped that you already passed the hardest part of your escape plan. You knew you had to get to king's landing, there were other trains to take you to and from Hogwarts Valley, as to how to get there…

You wondered, slowly raising your wand to the street and took a deep breath. Here goes it. “Lumos.”

You gave it a few minutes before you grew anxious and began to look around the street. It felt like an hour had passed, maybe more, but the moon hadn't even shifted in the sky. “Heyy! Witch in distress here!” You wiggled your arms about. “Lost and uhm.. stranded and all!” You shouted and put your hands on your hips. Tapping your foot, you clicked your tongue and began to wonder if the Knight Bus was even a thing anymore.

As if to spite your skepticism you suddenly heard the rowdy bus. Eyes snapping up to it with a bright smile. That's more like it.

You could have sworn the Knight Bus drove more responsibly in your younger years. Maybe you were just used to the humdrum of muggle life, the slow and easy. Regardless, you managed to get to kings crossing in one piece. Shifting into a fox and hiding in one of the upper compartments in the near empty train was simpler then you thought it would be.

So much nostalgia rushed through you as you passed the magical barrier to the platform. You walked and skittered past people, hiding in their luggage and hopping from cart to cart to get inside the train. You walked down the mostly empty train car, beady eyes taking in the familiar interior. It felt like it was from another lifetime. A lifetime that was so cruelly ripped from you.

“Excuse me!” You heard a high pitched feminine voice call out to you. Turning your head, you saw a young girl. She had long red hair that reached her back, bright green eyes and a stern determined look. Pulled together with a slight pout, she looked ages wiser than her baby cheeks would lead you to believe.

“Uhm.. Hello?” You called back, turning to look at her fully. You weren't used to people coming up to you without your parents present, most who were forced to be meek and reserved, respectful with you as if you were the superior. At least, that's what your father always told you and everyone else around. As if the memory reminded you, you straightened your back and tried to put on a sour expression of indifference that your mother taught you to do. She was the master of it after all. “How can I assist you?” You asked in a much more mature and collected tone.

The red head seemed physically thrown for a loop at your sudden change in demeanor. She waved it off as she looked back at her father who was hovering around her sobbing sister, Petunia having an absolute fit and sobbing louder whenever their parents even glanced where you two stood. You winced and turned up your lip.

Lily’s look turned apologetic, before she looked around quickly and waved her parents off.

“I found someone, mum, da! I’ll be fine!” She called back as you looked around her form to get a better look at the three family members. They looked… Well, a lot like your family’s friends. Snobbish and thick headed. Who you assumed was her father called over.

“Good! Good! Don't be late!” He dismissed her, not looking up as he offered Petunia a stuffed doll and her mom didn't even acknowledge her as she tried to appease the little terror they created. They looked relieved as they left their little girl in the middle of the train station alone. At least your parents knew you were meeting the Potters. Well, you were, if your parents' poor planning didn't end up with you missing your meeting time.

“Was that your sister?” You asked with a gawk, and Lily slowly nodded.

“Unfortunately. I actually was coming to ask you, did you uhm.. Get summoned by a letter too?” Lily leaned closer to you and you purse your lips. What an odd way to phrase it, but you didn't think about it for too long.

“You’re looking for platform nine and three quarters, yeah? Here.” You took her hand without thinking. She was nice, she was like the sun and it brought you a bit of a gooey feeling. Watching that unfold gave you an unexplainable protective feeling of the red head, so you pulled her along. Lining up your carts.. You gestured to the wall and she gave you a scandalized look. “What?”

“The wall. You run at it.” You implored and the girl scoffed. “I may be new to this, but I'm not an utter fool.”

“Like to make a wager?” You mused, allowing yourself to be more playful, she reminded you of the safety James brought you, she was such a soothing presence, you slipped into yourself easily. “Ten Galleons says I walk straight through that wall.”

“What on earth are Galleons?” Lily asked in a bemused tone and your eyes shot open wide at the question.

That's how you met Lily Evans. Your best friend for the next ten years of your life.

You two eventually made it to the train, walking down the train car corridor, laughing at some stupid mistake Lily had made, leading to a domino line of luggage falling over and crashing open. You two ran as fast as you could to the train before you were spotted.

“Merlin, we are lucky the Blacks didn't notice that!” You giggled, and Lily gave an easily bright but confused smile. “Blacks?”

You tilted your head at her, your smile remaining but turning confused. What a strange girl. She didn't want to talk about Hogwarts out loud? Now she expects you to believe she hasn't heard of the Black family? It was like she was completely foreign,

“Blacks, the pureblood family?” You pushed and before she could respond a voice called out to her from down the corridor. You both looked up and saw a boy, slightly taller than you both, with an annoyed look as he gestured for her to follow him to his compartment. Lily looked at you and gestured over.

“Lily?” You asked as you made it to the door and slipped in. you raised your luggage above your head as the black haired boy lifted up Lily’s and put it away for her.

“Oh! Right! My name is Lily, Lily Evans.” She lit up and held out her hand. You mirrored her look and took her hand in your own.

“{Y/N}! {Y/N} {L/N}.” You introduced and she nodded, mouthing your name as if to get used to the feel on her tongue. You began to shift and make faces at her, trying to copy her, until she noticed and playfully shoved you.

You fell on your seat in a fit of giggles and looked across from you, seeing the quiet boy was already staring at you. You tilted your head and leaned forward, feet kicking out from under your seat. “Hello! Nice to meet you! I’m-”

“{Y/N} {L/N}. The {L/N} family is quite famous.” He snarked back in a sarcastic tone and your face fell, slowly leaning back into your seat. Right. Being around Lily had you forgetting who you were. She was a dangerous kind of fun.

“Yeah...” You mumbled and the boy sneered.

“You are aware Lily Evan’s is muggle born, yeah?” he challenged and your jaw went slack. Oh Merlin, you didn't even think about that. Your father would have your head if he knew you were running around with Mudb- Muggle borns. But Lily was nothing like how your father described, she was quite fun and smart, at least to your twelve year old brain.

“Is that true?” You asked Lily in a low whisper and Lily pursed her lips. Seems this wasn't the first time she was asked this.

“.. I am.” She answered cautiously and Snape watched you like a hawk as you pouted and deflated. “My dad would be so mad if I told him I was friends with a Muggle born. I am already pushing it with the company I keep, he says.”

Lily pouted and she looked like a kicked puppy, her eyes big and pout heart breaking. You three sat in silence for a moment before Lily spoke up again.

“Do you have to tell him?” She asked and your head snapped over to her. “What? Of course I do.” You mumbled and she narrowed her eyes.

“Why?”

“W-well he's my father, and I can't lie to him.” You argued and she tilted her head.

“But why?”

That stunned you for a moment. When you were younger, the fear of lying was debilitating. Your father could always look into your mind and sort anything out for himself, so the more truth you told the less you would have to deal with the pain. He was cruel and your younger mind has made him out to be an all seeing eye, just daring you to slip up so he could show you just why people feared him. Just why you should fear him too.

“I..”

“He wont find out, I won't tell a soul, would you Severus?”

The raven haired boy, Severus, seemed stunned by the question. Of course, he caved, and muttered a ‘no.’

Lily had that effect on people. One look in her eyes and you would do anything you were asked of, she had you and Severus wrapped around the very pinkie finger she used to promise you her silence since day one.

Little did you know, a few more months to come, and she would be much the same with you. Lily, Severus, and {Y/N}, would be names that would find themselves in each other's company for years to come. Their names and the tragedy that would follow.

It was morning by the time the train stopped at the Hogsmeade station. You huffed and dragged yourself to your paws. Once you scampered off the train it was much easier to follow the trail. Students were in their classes, and truly, no adult seemed to give a damn about you. You were just another woodland creature. If you did manage to catch someone’s eye, it wasn't hard to lose it in the edges of the forbidden forest.

You chose to stalk deeper into the forest, eventually being able to follow the river up stream, the one that ran straight from the Black Lake. Once you made it out and stumbled across the field. A feeling settled in your stomach you remembered all too well. Regret, hurt, pain, your ears pinned back,you remembered the day so clearly, as you stared at the tree that used to represent your little trio’s friendship. It was hard, being both Severus Snape and James Potter’s friends. When Lily told James around year 3 that if he wanted to impress her to lay off of Snape, you two thought it would be the end of their stupid fights.

That lasted exactly two years.

It has been days since you got your acceptance letter. The weekend that followed you had been a whirlwind of meeting the most remarkable people to ever work as Aurors, working alongside heroes everyday.. Well, from the inside of your cubicle. Your relationship with Alastor moody was shaky at best, but you went in with an impression to make. You weren't just there because your father, or your family, the very two things that did everything in their power to try and stop you from getting in. You came back to school Monday on cloud 9, you felt remarkable for the first time in your life and not because you were told you were.

Not from some suck up, or from your blood status obsessed family. You were remarkable because you worked to get to that point on your own. You had to remember to thank Slughorn for introducing you to the people who ran the program at his Slug club.

There was one person you had not been able to talk to since you got your letter. Severus. Being in the same house you would figure that you two saw a lot of each other. However, he had made some new friends. Friends you didn't exactly like. Avery, for example. He had been trying to get in your good graces since you met him, you knew why, it was painfully clear he wanted the connection to your father and you refused to be a vessel for that. He also spent more time with Mulciber as well.

That boy was a piece of work. You had made your feelings on him known to Snape early on in their twisted little friendship. He had done horrid things to the muggle borns, not to mention how he seemed to get some sick gratification from targeting the weaker women of the school. He had a passion for making any witch with what he called a ‘loud mouth’ his personal target. You had managed to avoid him, aside from a few crude comments here and there about your blood status and making himself known to your father as a potential suitor.

They were vile and whenever you mentioned the behavior to Snape he would simply scoff and go on rants about how you and Lily were never around because you two seemed to worship the ground the boys who tormented him for years walked on. You would always counter by saying he wasn't exactly innocent in their interactions, but it would always dissolve into stupid and petty fights. He would go for blood every chance he got, making sure you knew he prioritized Lily in every interaction.

Maybe that was when your friendship started to crumble. You knew what he said was to hurt you, that he would never truly mean it. Just like his accusations that you cared more about Potter than him, the length of your friendship meant nothing, and you knew he cared for you more than he cared for most.

And you him.

It got exhausting, however, taking his hurt for yourself. Putting it all on your shoulders as he lashed out for any evidence you cared for him still. It hurt to grow up, clinging to people you knew were bad for you. Severus Snape was bad for you. Saying that out loud broke your heart, because you were still young, and you would still always care for him, you didn't know a thing he could do or say to you that would push you away. Not for long. Because he was someone you knew, someone not many people got to know.

Severus Snape, the boy who would nag you for not bringing your cloak to Quidditch games but allow you to use his. Snape was the one who would nag you for your grades and give you his study notes. The boy who would absolutely ruin your confidence in potions after a simple mistake, and bring you candy from Honeydukes as an apology. Maybe that was it. He never said it. All the times you told him you cared for him like the rain cares for the breeze, Like how kindling cares for fire. You cared so much you made something dangerous, and it destroyed you.

Still, you held onto that hope that maybe, maybe. He would come around and put down his pride just,,, set it aside for you. It never happened. It did happen for Lily, but she never had to try for him. She didn’t know the times you had to pick up the pieces of him she shattered. It wasn't her fault, not her fault he refused to say it. He would let you know when you hurt him, never that he cared. He would let Lily know he cared, but never when she pushed him too far.

Yet you were the one to destroy it. You always took the blame. You let it happen, as what you had was turning fragile, and you weren't ready to give up on him just yet.

So here you were, walking down the halls to go and tell Snape the news, Because he was your friend, and because he never had to guess if you cared or not. This was his chance. He just needed to show he cared.

You made it to the dungeons but paused as you heard familiar voices fill the halls. You quickly froze and slipped behind a pillar to hide away. Bloody hell, what's your luck? He’s with the two nimrods.

“You know, even if she's a bit of a harlot.” You heard Avery quip and you rolled your eyes. You prayed for whatever poor soul the boys were talking about.

“She's always around those boys, heard she's doing Remus. A half blood? Go figure,” You heard the snake that was Mulciber speak up next. Your face turned sour and you narrowed your eyes. No.. He wouldn't let them talk about you like that, right? You bit your cheek and continued to listen.

“I wouldn't be surprised if she's doing all of them. That Potter boy and her have been friends since they were kids, can't say I'd keep a witch around that long if she didn't help me out once and a while.” Avery snickered and Mulciber chuckled.

‘True, and that Peter kid is like her pouch pooch. Maybe that's why Sirius hates her so much, shiny new toy and he doesn't have all the boys attention anymore.”

You took some even breaths and steadied your hands that shook with this sudden shock of nausea. Come on Snape. Say something.

“Talking about friends, Snape, you're close to her yeah? Ever had a go?”

Snape continued to look at his book with a bored expression, “I wouldn't touch her if she paid me.”

Your heart broke. Your eyes closed tight and you clenched your chest. You should of just walked away.

“Why's that? Too busy day dreaming about Evans? Cant say ive ever had a Mudblood before.” Mulciber snarked and Snape's book slammed closed.

“Don't call her that. Don't talk about her like that.”

That was your last straw. You turned sharply on your heel and walked past them. Dashing right up the stairs, You did not spare them a glance. If you had, you would have seen the look of shock and guilt all over Snape’s face.

You didn't remember running, or what you were thinking. But there you were, at the Fat Lady, trying to hide your tears in your sleeve as you knocked. You tried to mutter acknowledgement to the painting as she cooed and tried to comfort you as you waited, but nothing but a sob came out.

The door opened and you faced Marlene. The girl gasped and didn't even think before she pulled you in and closed the painting.

Next thing you knew, you were wrapped up in a warm blanket you knew to be Peter’s, a cup of warm brown liquid you used for steam to clear your nose enough to breathe. You knew this mug. It was Remus’s. You tried to stifle another onslaught of tears, as Marlene robbed your back from where you laid on her lap.

Peter was helping to take off your shoes and talking about his day to you. He knew you weren't listening, but giving you something to fill the silence. Remus had gone to get James, and Lily was rushing down the stairs when she heard you were in tears. Mary and Alice were not far behind.

When everyone was there you begrudgingly told them what happened. You watched their expressions. Your heart melted a bit, at how they seemed to react to the news. They were repulsed, not just for Lily, but for you. You had never seen James so calm, so careful with his words despite his clear anger.

You set the drink down and slowly melted into the comfort you friends offered, not even noticing as James dragged the boys aside to talk about something. You just let yourself be coddled as you did your best to forget Snape’s words.

The next day was better. You had Remus escort you back to the Prefect dorms, your walk was quiet but you felt safer then you had that entire day. He made an excuse to Slughorn as to why you weren’t there for your duties. He was even there early to your dorm in the morning to make sure you got out of bed on time and got ready. Honestly, you felt guilty, enjoying his presence so much.

You went through most of the day like that, until your free period. You were shocked to see Remus wasn't waiting for you, instead, Lily was. You smiled and you both linked arms to walk down to the field. You were still mad at Severus, so you hoped he wasn't there. On some degree, you have to admit, you wanted to yell at him, shout and tear him apart like he did to you.

But you couldn't. Because he was your friend, and because he never had to guess with you. He knew. That hurt worse.

As you both made it down to the Black Lake, you and Lily froze at the sight laid out in front of you.

Snape, dangled upside down by his ankle as James and Sirius threw taunts his way.

“James Potter!” Lily shouted and ran down the hill, you weren't really thinking before you shouted a spell at James, “Expelliarmus!”

His wand was smacked out of his hand, and next came Lily’s palm across his face. Sirius gave a low whistle at the contact. You ran down and slowed Snapes fall, “Severus! Are you okay?” You asked and tried to help him up.

“Get off of me!” He snapped at you. You flinched away with wide eyes and he snarled at you. “Always to the rescue, huh, {L/N}? Compensating for your name sake?”

He shouted out in anger and you let him. Again, letting him tear you apart. But this was different. He didn’t stop. He didn't calm down. His words just got sharper. You waited, this was the first time he berated you in front of a crowd.

“You see what they've done to me for years and you still pick them! You still hang around them! I don't need your pity! I don't need your help!” He snapped and Lily walked over cautiously, knowing your choice to handle Snape’s temper was always to let it pass. She didn't want to aggravate you. “Severus-”

“Not now you worthless Mudblood!” He shouted, eyes still narrowed on you. That gave you the perfect view of his eyes going as wide as an owl as he realized what had left his lips. He turned on his heel and stared at Lily whose jaw was slack and eyes turning glossy. She turned sharply and began to run off, and you let your face fall into your palms.

Remus was by your side in a second, wrapping his arms around you and ignoring Snape as his mouth opened and closed like a fish, muttering pathetic apologies.

“Let’s go.” Remus muttered, you could feel how he was tensing, holding himself back, You simply listened. Everything had happened so fast. You just remember how he looked at you when you glanced back. Pathetic. He looked like he was going to fall to his knees. If he did, Remus didn't let you see it. Last thing you saw was James running after Lily towards the castle. As Remus leads you off to docks, away from everyone's eyes.

You winced at the memory, eyes slowly lidding as you carefully stalked around the place it all happened, eyes locked on it, like it would come running after you. Once you had made enough distance you dashed off to the school. Slipping passed the gate with practiced ease, your eyes trailed up and your mawl dropped open in shock. Dementors? What in Merlin's sweet name were they doing here?

You pushed the thought aside, you didn't want to think about it. The great thing about having them as guards, however, not a single one noticed you as you made it to the school grounds.

You looked around before hurrying off and around the field. You stopped as you noticed the Quidditch court, with red ribboned boys flying around. It took you exactly three seconds to ponder if James Potter’s son would be in Gryffindor, and on their team.

If a fox could click their tongue, you would. Hurrying out further across the bridge, you snuck your way under the large tarps that covered the scaffolding. Slipping your way up and over, you managed to get a viewpoint from between the benches.

You didn't have to look long. As if on instinct, your eyes found him. A seeker too, you wondered if he was as cocky as James in the field. Slowly, your little tail began to shuffle around in excitement. He looked so much like James, but you could also see the boy you held all those years ago.

He was running his heart out, you watched his eyes follow after something you couldn't see, before he launched himself forward with a brilliant smile. Oh that smile.

“{Y/N}! Sirius! Come in!” You heard Lily's voice call from the living room. You and him were holding gifts, you had brought an empty photo album and several of your enchanted photos from Hogwarts, ready to sit down with Lily and make a time capsule of sorts for Harry when he went. Something with a cheesy ‘now it's your turn’ at half way for him to finish off.

Sirius had brought some dishes he made with your help, so Lily and James didn't have to cook for the next few months while Harry was still small.

“Where is my nephew?!” Sirius demanded in a playful rawr, walking into the living room, shoving the dishes onto James who sighed and waxed on about being forgotten for a tot. As he passed you to get to the kitchen you got on your toes and kissed his cheek, that seemed to satisfy the attention quota of his.

You walked deeper in and lit up at the sight of Lily, handing over the little bundle to Sirius. He looked so happy holding Harry, it made your heart flutter. You bit your lip and tried to fend off the baby fever.

Setting down the book and photos you walked over to Lily. She held the couch to stand and when you opened your arms she practically collapsed into yours. You giggled and pressed your nose to her cheek and she gave a sigh of approval. “Missed you.” She mumbled and you nodded. “Missed you too.”

You broke away from each other with a quick peck on the cheek, and you turned to meet the wrap of blankets in your fiancés arms.

“Oh, look at you.” You cooed and Sirius smiled at you. “Cute one, ain't he?”

“Very.” You agreed and reached over to let him grab your finger. He lit up in a smile and you mimicked it, sticking out your tongue and gave a delighted gasp when it made him giggle. Sirius chuckled.

“I've never been good with kids.” You admitted sheepishly.

“Neither of us. Guess we have our exception.” He teased and you rolled your eyes fondly at him. “For now.” You whispered against his sleeve and Sirius's smile twitched before James returned and spoke up.

“Now that you're here, we wanted to talk to you about something before Remus gets here.” He mused in a serious tone, arm wrapping around Lily's waist as she leaned into him. You felt your heart swell with how love struck Lily looked at James.

“Oh?” Sirius mused and rested Harry in your arms. You looked down at him and smiled, he again, returned it with a fit of giggles. Oh he was just precious. Oh wow, James Potter, the kid you wouldn't have trusted to watch your owl for a weekend had a small human. One he needed to make sure stayed fed. And breathing.

“Good luck little guy.” You mumbled to him, in your own little world. “You're gonna need it. Call Auntie {Y/N} whenever you need me.” You gushed.

James fell silent for a moment as he watched you coddle his son. Lily smiled brighter as she looked at Sirius, no other word to describe him but love sick. Absolutely destroyed with what he was seeing.

“About that.” James cut in and you looked over at James with a pout. He laughed before you could even snap at him. “Before you kill me.”

“We were looking into a godparent for little Hars.” Lily whispered and your eyes widened, looking at Sirius.

“I wanted Sirius, Lily wanted you.” James continued and you gave the most offended expression you've ever made. “How dare you! I've known you since diapers!”

“Exactly what I told Lily when I tried to argue what a horrible idea it was.” James snickered and Lily hit him with her elbow.

“So, we compromised. A godmother and godfather.” Lily finished and your jaw went slack, you looked at Sirius with wide hopeful eyes and he returned the look.

“Y-yes! Yes of course!” You declared quickly and Sirius nodded vigorously before he pulled James into a tight hug. “I'll keep him safe.”

You walk up closer to Lily and she leans her chin on your shoulder. “And I'll make sure he's a proper bloke.” You quipped and Sirius playfully scoffed. “Define proper bloke.”

“Not you.” You teased and he wet his lips with a bright smirk. You turned to Lily and James, tucking Harry on your shoulder. “You two should get some rest. We'll watch Harry for the rest of the day.” You mused and Sirius didn't complain. Taking Harry from you.

“Oh, {Y/N}, you really don't-”

“Go go! Begone! It's godparent bonding time!” You scolded and James laughed, nudging Lily. “I'll run you a bath.” He muttered into her hair and she sighed blissfully. “Sounds like heaven.”

Oh they were love.

You and Sirius stayed that whole night. Cleaning up around the place, taking care of Harry, and keeping the volume low. Remus came over and you and him worked to distract Harry and Sirius took a nap. That really only consisted of him staring at the muggle tv and flicking through channels. When the actual parents returned you and Sirius went home.

You went home and had one of the most vicious fights you had ever had.

You shook the thought from your head as you watched Harry land. Slipping through the benches and squeezing your body onto the platform you watched from above before you hurried down the stars behind a fluffy haired girl. She ran on the court, joined by a very familiar redhead.

You stopped just outside the pitch in the grass, watching as everyone packed up and Harry talked to his friends with such life in his eyes. Your own eyes trailed up to his scar before you tilted your head. You still had a lot of questions on your mind. But now, now was time for observing. His smile, it reminded you so much of your days within these walls. The days you spent with James and Lily, running down the halls and making fools of yourself. You hoped he was having a similar childhood.

You watched him for a few minutes, before he seemed to register your presence. His eyes flicked over to you and you two shared eye contact.

Harry could have sworn to Merlin that the look you gave him, he'd seen before. Just like that, in the meer moments you were there, you were gone. Slithering your way into the forest and into a small den. You scratched your neck out, shaking your fur vigorously, a sign of stress as you tried to figure out what to do next. You didn't want to leave Harry, you didn't want him out of your sight ever again, but you also didn't want Moody sending an Auror strike to find you. Eventually, you relented. You'd go back, practice your apperation again and again until you were able to make it from Wesley's to the forest. You knew you could do it, you'd done it from farther away. You took a deep breath and transformed back.

Time to unrust some wheels.

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