Nightmare Gottschalk, renowned for avoiding work like the plague, was sulking in his chair at his desk. His hand moved like molasses as he signed document after document, mostly out of spite. He glanced up at Alice Liddell, who looked like she was having a grand old time, and his pout became deeper. Even though the two were courting, it felt like nothing much had changed. And that was fine…for the most part.

There was one thing he felt like was missing, though. Physical affection.

Nightmare knew Alice got embarrassed easily, and sometimes over the weirdest things, but they were alone. Gray was currently on break and had entrusted keeping Nightmare in line to Alice. Yet, every time he started to ask about it, he was shut down with comments about finishing his work first. After about one more time period, quite a long one at that, Nightmare couldn't stand it anymore.

"Don't you love me, Alice?" he whined, unable to keep it in anymore.

Obviously seeming abrupt to Alice, she spun around eyes wide. When his words and his tone sank in, her cheeks began to flush. "Wh-why bring that up now? Besides, you still have work to do."

She was avoiding the question. So, even though he had been trying not to read her mind recently, he peeked.

Why is he bringing that up now? Of course, I do. It's too embarrassing to say it out loud, though! And have I done something wrong? Again? I thought it would be obvious…

Relieved, Nightmare tried to sigh quietly, but didn't quite make it.

Alice's blue-green eyes narrowed, instantly guessing at what Nightmare had done. "Don't read my mind. Now that you have your answer, get back to work," she snapped.

"I was worried," Nightmare pouted. Alice sighed dramatically, and yet a curious creeping of color wormed its way onto her face.

Distracted by the blush, Nightmare didn't realize Alice had pecked him on the lips until she had backed off. Blinking furiously, Nightmare took a moment to absorb what happened. Just as Alice had turned away, trying to hide her embarrassment no doubt, Nightmare grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into his lap. There, he lightly pecked her back on her lips, causing Alice to squirm. Nightmare refused to let her go, though.

Alice began to protest but Nightmare pecked at her again, and again, and again. He just kept lightly kissing her, and though that's all they were doing, both somehow ended up breathing slightly heavier than normal.

"What are you - "

"I love you, Alice."

The rare somber expression and the heat in Nightmare's eye left Alice at a loss for words.

I know, she thought, right before launching her arms around his neck and kissing him much, much deeper. Making a muffled sound in surprise, Nightmare took all of a second before kissing her back with the same vigor.

Yes. This was what he'd been missing.


A/N: This was done based off of a prompt generator and I was challenged to write it within 24 hours. Also, this is dedicated to TheFowler. I also apologize if it's rushed or OOC.