Julius Monrey worked like nobody's business. Seriously, nobody else in Wonderland could match his work ethic if they tried. That, and Julius would also say it wasn't anybody's business either. Regardless, while the Clockmaker worked, he was often so absorbed that he couldn't really hear what someone else was saying. Well, what Alice was saying since Ace was constantly lost and nobody other than customers visited Julius.

"Julius, for heaven's sake, listen to me." Alice had been trying to talk to Julius for a good portion of the time period. She got nothing but non-committal noises or a simple, "Yes."

Well, if he wouldn't listen to her…

"Julius, I'm moving to Blood's place."

"Yes."

Alice's eye twitched.

"Julius, Ace's in love with Peter."

"Yes."

How did that not get Julius' attention? Alice almost wanted to laugh. She would make one last ditch effort…

"Julius, didn't you know we were supposed to kiss by now?"

"Yes – wait, what?"

Alice's face went from cool to hot in less than a minute. Why was it that that got Julius' attention. She couldn't help but feel a bit flattered in a way, but more so embarrassed. Or was mortified closer to how she felt?

"Nothing! I-It's good that you finally heard me. I was going to ask if you wanted coffee. I-I'll go make some now-"

Julius cut her off by saying, "I don't need any. Come here." He didn't really give her a choice in the matter before putting down his tools, and grabbing Alice's wrist to pull her to him. Alice was caught off guard by the action, and nearly tripped into Julius' lap. He pulled her so her rear landed neatly on his lap.

"I'm…sorry, if you've been feeling neglected," Julius apologized awkwardly. "You know how I - "

"It's all right, I know. I was just trying to get your attention."

Julius began to sulk, thinking that she didn't really want to kiss him. Of course, why would she? He was a boring man and –

In the next moment, his lips were covered by Alice's soft warmth. They were so similar Alice could immediately easily tell when he was spiraling.

"I may have said it to get your attention, but it wasn't a lie, you know," she barely managed to get the words out due to embarrassment, her face a bright red.

Julius didn't need any more prompting than that; the two became locked in a deep, sweet kiss for a long, long time.

End