Alice slipped through the door. The others were too busy rejocing to notice her absence. But like children, their attention span could only last so long - she had to be quick.

She stood before the clock once more. It seemed like she had done this ages ago on a hunt for the chronosphere to save the Hatter's family. As before, she stepped in.

The corridors were the still the same - empty. You'd think after that whole trespassing ordeal and stealing the very object that time revolved around, there'd be some sort of heightened security.

Her heels clicked on the floor. She made no effort to hide her presence. It wasn't long before she ran into a little second. "I'd like to speak with Time."

Her voice startled the little second and he stumbled backwards before scurrying away. She let out a slight exhale then noted another clockwork object nearing her. Oh, dear, she seemed to have forgotten his name but he had glasses and a little mustache. And oh, boy, he was shaking in his cogs at the sight of her.

"Y-you again!" he gasped. "Time will not be happy-"

"I wish to see him," she interrupted before he could continue. "Please take me to him. I give you my word that I won't return anymore."

It seemed it had been drilled into him to obey orders, but he couldn't help himself in regarding her. "Very well, Miss. This way." He looked at her once more before turning and leading her down winding corridors.

They happened upon his room faster than Alice anticipated. He was standing with his back to the open door. She looked around - it was small and a little homey, nothing like she quite imagined for the stern clockwork man.

"The yellow-haired girl has returned, sir," he introduced before rushing away.

Time turned quickly at the announcement, eying her carefully. "I thought I told you to not come back." His voice held a warning though there was an edge of curiosity.

She saw he hadn't forgotten the trouble she had caused, the corners of his eyes softening - of course, everyone who ever met Alice seemed to never forget the mischief that trailed her. She looked up at him. "I had to." The words passed from her lips easily and she gained confidence.

A look of slight worry mixed with vague disgust crossed his face. "Why?"

Cautiously, she stepped in the room, closer to him. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of his creased brow and parting lips - he was to ask a question. The question was on his tongue, but she did not allow him to speak for her arms wrapped around his neck and her lips pressed against his.

In the next second it seemed, she stepped away. A blush dusted her cheeks and her eyes were ever bright but uncommonly shy.

"I don't-" His throat was dry. "I don't understand."

Her face lit up slowly, a fire of youth sparking in her eyes, and Time felt something in the clockwork of his soul.

"Time will always have my heart."

He struggled in finding the right words, and if he had the right words, his throat wouldn't cooperate. He managed out a croak of sorts.

She took a slight bow then, and the smile faded slightly, her gaze shifting away. Time felt an overwhelming need to correct it, to make it return to her face. "I've said my piece," she said dutifully. "I will abide by your rules and will not return here again." Her eyes met his briefly before she turned to leave.

He finally found his voice. "Er, those rules are not fair sometimes." He attempted at a chuckle though it slowly died in his cheset when she looked at him. His face grew serious. "I'd rather you did return, Alice."

Her face lit up again and he smiled.