Chapter Text
Peter stomped into the Castle’s audience chamber, where he found Vivaldi more or less waiting for him. “Your Majesty, how could you?!”
She looked up at him and held back a grin. “Why White,” she asked innocently. “Whatever do you mean?”
“I know it was you who sent that blasted knight to interrupt Alice and I’s time together!” he accused. “You promised that you wouldn’t interfere!”
“And We never broke that promise.” she smirked. “We didn’t come anywhere near you or Alice. Why are We to be held responsible for the actions of our knight?”
“I know you ordered him to bother us-and he stayed the whole time!”
Ace strolled leisurely through the open door, arms folded behind his head. “Alice didn’t seem to mind my company.” he put in. “And I can’t believe you gave her that mushy sweater. If anything, I came to her rescue just in time.”
Peter didn’t argue back against the sweater. He had seen the way she handled it, and was beginning to feel quite foolish. How could he have thought she’d be pleased? Alice wasn’t the kind to wear anything too cutesy, and there was nothing dignified about the garment whatsoever. Even the rich, velvety red he had picked out made it seem as though she were wearing a large, soft valentine.
“Still, everything would have been fine if you hadn’t come barging in like that!” Peter groused. “She was only self conscious when you pointed it out and acted as though the sweater was strange!”
“That’s because it was.” Ace countered. “Do you see anyone else wearing something like that?”
“That’s just because my love for Alice is the greatest that’s ever existed.”
“Or it’s because you’re a stalker.”
“I am not! Stalkers are a danger to those they obsess over. I would rather die than harm Alice in any way!”
“In any case,” Vivaldi interjected. “Perhaps this will be a lesson to you against being so greedy with her the next time she visits.” she said, sounding quite satisfied with her ploy.
Peter let out a frustrated sigh and left for his room; where upon entering collapsed face first onto his bed. He looked up, and watched the fading strains of twilight submit to the darkness of night. I’ll go tomorrow and apologize for humiliating her. Peter planned. I just wanted her to see how special she is to me…
Alice sat on her bed, legs folded, staring down at the sweater. She couldn’t help but feel bad every time she saw it. The events of the afternoon kept coming back to her, bruising her conscience with each glance she took.
Hey, Ace had asked, what’s that?
Hm? What’s what? she had responded.
That, he said, grabbing the sweater from her. Jeez Peter, he said with a chuckle, I think I just got a cavity.
Alice snatched it back, turning bright red. It’s none of your business Ace! She violently stuffed the cardigan into her lap, and covered it with her hands. Ace started on about getting lost in Blood’s territory for the third time that day, but Alice couldn’t listen. She’d practically felt Peter’s heart sink from where she was sitting, only a few feet away.
She let out a frustrated whine. Why I am constantly hurting his feelings!? It’s not my fault! Everything just comes out wrong or seems wrong! She sighed. The least I could do is try it on and see how it looks.
She got up, pulled the sweater over her head, and walked over to her mirror. She smiled. Not bad… it looks pretty good actually. She rubbed the sleeves. And the fabric is nice. It doesn’t scratch my skin or itch. It fits well too, although I’m not sure I want to know how he got my dimensions. Ok, you know what, I like it and I’m going to wear it...just not with the front out in public.
As she fell asleep that night, sweater donned, she couldn’t help but feel as though she were being held in a pair of soft, warm arms.
The next morning, Peter woke up bright and early, hoping to catch Alice at the Clock Tower before anyone else could show up. Upon arriving he let himself in and quickly scurried up to Alice’s room.
“Alice?” he entered. “Alice, are you awake yet?”
“Huh?...wa?” Alice rubbed her eyes sleepily. “Peter, what are you doing here?”
“Alice I came to-” he stopped. “You’re wearing the present?”
“Oh...yeah. I tried it on and I really like it. It actually makes for a great pajama too. So...thank you.”
He smiled. “My pleasure.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to apologize for embarrassing you with my gift.”
“Oh jeez! Listen, I’m sorry if I seemed ungrateful...it’s just awkward, ok? But it is useful and I really do appreciate it.”
“I’m glad.”
“So…”
“May I try your coffee?”
“Hmm...I’m not sure I want to see what caffeine does to you.” An image of Peter’s usual antics sped up tenfold came into Alice’s mind.
“Please? I’ve never had something made by you before and I really want to try it.”
“Fine, but on two conditions: first, no bouncing off the walls once your done, and second, you have to give me an honest evaluation; no sugarcoating it, ok?”
Peter was already twitching with anticipation. “I’ll try, my darling, but I make no promises!”
Alice smiled in spite of herself. “Fair enough. Come on, I’ll make Julius a pot too.”
Reaching out, she took his hand to lead him, forgetting that Peter already knew his way around; and he didn’t dare correct her. Together, they carefully walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, each content to spent the morning together.
The End