#max hatter

.✦ ݁˖ SFW

max is a creature of habit. he loves waking you up with a kiss and a perfectly brewed cup of tea, but he’ll use the time to subtly brag about a goal he’s already achieved before you’ve even opened your eyes. it’s his way of seeking your validation

he loves that he doesn’t have to pretend with you. around everyone else he’s the chaotic, theatrical max hatter, but with you he lets the softer edges show. he’ll pull you into quiet corners just to steal a moment where it’s only the two of you. then, just as quickly, he’ll flip back to teasing, spinning you around and declaring to no one in particular that his princess is the only person who can keep up with him

he has a keen eye for fashion.he loves helping you pick out your outfits, not because he wants to control you, but because he views you as an extension of his own prestige. he loves it when you look stunning, but he loves it even more when he knows you're wearing something he picked for you

he thrives on making you laugh, on seeing that smile he claims is better than any magic in wonderland.and when the day winds down, he’s the one who pulls you close,fingers tangled with yours, quietly admitting he’s never been this happy pretending to be normal with anyone else

when he’s truly stubborn,he won’t fight with you—he’ll just give you that overly pleasant ‘hatter act’.it’s a psychological game. he waits for you to crack the moment you show genuine distress, his kind heart wins out and he’ll fold instantly, pulling you into a tight embrace

when he’s jealous he becomes incredibly possessive in a subtle way. he’ll slide his arm around your waist or start talking about a private joke only the two of you share, effectively marking his territory without ever raising his voice

max loves to play with your anticipation. he’ll lean in slow, his lips just a fraction of an inch from yours, holding the position until you're practically vibrating with need. just as you close your eyes to finally seal the gap, he’ll whisper a cheeky joke or a playful comment in your ear and pull away with a grin, loving the way you pout.

he has a habit of "stealing" things from you,just to get your attention. he won't hide them far, but he'll make you "earn" them back through a series of ridiculous challenges or by giving him a specific number of kisses

he is subconsciously driven by your praise. if you tell him how much you love it when he does a certain chore or how "amazing" he is at something, he will practically obsess over doing it even better next time. he doesn't just want to be the best in wonderland; he wants to be the absolute best in your eyes

while he’s generally playful and lighthearted,max has a protective side that surfaces the moment he feels you're being slighted. he doesn't necessarily get aggressive, but he becomes incredibly poised and sharp-tongued, using his charm and wit to shut down anyone who doesn't treat you with the respect you deserve

.✦ ݁˖. NSFW

because he spends his whole life trying to prove himself, hearing you tell him how good he is—specifically how well he's fucking you—drives him absolutely wild. a whispered "you're so good to me— so good max" will make him lose all his composure

in the bedroom, his ambition manifests as a need to dominate the experience. he loves being the one to dictate the pace, guiding your body exactly where he wants it. he enjoys the feeling of you completely unraveling under his touch, knowing he's the only one capable of making you feel that way

he’s fascinated by your reactions.he loves to push you to the edge of an orgasm and then stop abruptly, teasing you until you're begging him to finish. he treats your pleasure like a challenge, wanting to see exactly how much you can take before you break

he has a habit of leaving marks—hickeys on your neck or bite marks on your shoulder—specifically in places that are hidden by clothes. it’s his secret way of reminding you and himself that you belong to him, even when you're out in the world acting the part of the perfect couple

.✦ ݁˖ + he’d also say / do things like :

you catch the way max’s eyes light up the second you walk into the room, that signature grin spreading across his face like he’s been waiting for this exact moment. “ah, there she is… my princess has finally arrived.” he says it loud enough for everyone to hear, making a dramatic show of clearing a path with exaggerated bows and sweeping gestures. “everyone, please make way. the princess requires room to walk.”

he loves teasing you when you’re in a mood, leaning in close with that playful lilt in his voice. “oh no, the princess is unhappy? whatever shall i do?” it’s never mean-spirited—he’s already watching your reaction, ready to pivot into something softer if he senses even a hint of real annoyance. when he realizes he’s pushed it too far, he gets adorably awkward about it, suddenly offering you his favorite hat or pulling you into a clumsy hug while mumbling, “okay, okay, i’m sorry, princess… here, you can wear the hat. it looks better on you anyway.”

the more time you spend together, the bolder his playfulness gets.he’ll tug you into his lap without warning, arms looping around your waist as he rests his chin on your shoulder. “i cannot believe i have to deal with you” he’ll groan dramatically, but there’s nothing but affection in the way his fingers trace lazy circles on your hip. other times he switches to pure compliments, whispering against your ear how stunning you look today or how your laugh is his favorite sound in all of wonderland

max acts like the most confident guy in the room—unpredictable, loud, always pulling some new trick out of his sleeve or hat —but you’re the one who sees how much he actually cares. he’ll pretend he doesn’t notice when you catch him being sweet “what? i just happened to be going this way,” he’ll claim with a shrug, but the tips of his ears turn pink every single time

⊹ ࣪ ˖⏱ ୭˚. ᵎ MASTERLIST

It all began when one day you bumped into Max as you hastetly rushed out of the art classroom. All of your art supplies fell to the ground, exposing a sketch you did of him earlier today.

You felt like sinking into the ground as he reached for the sketch faster than you could. He just started at the picture before turning a little pinkish.

"Why did you draw me?", was all he asked as you snatched that book out of his hands.

"Because-"

Nothing. There was nothing coming to your mind.

He just watched you struggle, rising one of his eyebrows.

"I wanted to," you finally gave up and said the truth. Or at least some of it.

"You know, I don't mind. It's just... a bit creepy," he said with a playful smirk.

Your heart started to feel easy with that.

It was probably then that you realized, he is actually who you hoped he would be. And nothing like the rumors or accusations.

"Fair," you said as you finally met his gaze.

"I'm Y/N, by the way. Y/N Fitzherbert," you nicely introduced yourself as you held out your hand.

For a moment he glanced at your hand funny. Not expecting you to greet him this way. But he admired how you were not judging him for being a VK when you're so obviously a HK.

"Max Hatter," he said, returning the favor of a handshake.

"I know," you blurred out but instantly pulled your hand back, "uh- in a not creepy kind of way."

He couldn't help but let out a sharp scoff, a smirk appearing on his face, "Got it."

Immediate a smile spread on your face.

Quickly he gathered all of your thinks and got up, holding out his free hand to help you up.

Accepting it you let him help you up easily. The moment you held his hand again, something inside the both of you switched.

"Thank you," you softly said as he let go of your hand and gave you your things back.

"Don't mention it. Seriously," he replied in a haste and looked around nervously. "I- I gotta go," he mumbled as giggles of the Smee's and Hazel's yells could be heard.

His friends. Of course. He took off just after his words.

You thought after that interaction you'd never talk to him again. Turns out the odds were in your favor.

A little over a week later you bumped into him again. Just no things to drop this time.

"We gotta stop doing that," you said with a giggle after you two bumped shoulders near the art classroom, again.

He just scoffed and adjusted his hat, "Yeah... at least there were no things you could drop this time."

You gasped as you put your hand on your chest dramatically, "What?- You were the reason I dropped them!"

"Just because you couldn't hold on to your things," he said, pointing at you.

For a moment you felt your heart ache, thinking he was actually like his father. But then a smirk appeared on his face. You were relieved to say the least.

You couldn't help but nudge his shoulder, "That was mean."

"Guess I'm living up to what they say about me then," he said with a sad shrug.

You immediately felt bad, putting your hand on his shoulder, "Not true. Well... they do say those things about you, but I can't believe that's who you are."

Your words were true. That's what you truly believe. That he is good.

"You don't even know me," he snapped, jerking his shoulder back to let your hand drop.

Sighing you pouted slightly, "But maybe I want to."

Your truth hung heavy in his head. No HK said those words to him, ever.

It was odd but he believed you. Every word.

"Okay," he mumbled. The only agreement and validation you'd get out of him, for now.

It was all you needed.

You wanted to jump up from joy so much but you knew better.

"Great. So... let's meet here after school. It should be empty today," you suggested.

He swallowed as he nodded, "I'll be there."

He confirmed with a smile before going off again. You wondered why but then you heard his friends. That explains it.

After school you both met in the art room as promised. At first it was a little awkward but you were quick to come up with some conversation.

Initially it was just you talking but after a while he got familiar and comfortable with you.

Not only you, but he felt that comfort too. Like you two understand each other.

A weird thing for a VK and HK, he thought.

You didn't. After all it's the same for King Ben and Queen Mal.

The conversation flowed so easily at some point, that the natural light turning the room suddenly a bit darker made you conscious about your surrounding.

Surprised by that fact you two checked the clock and realised it was getting late.

"Wait, is it so late already?", he asked as he jumped to his feet.

Checking the clock on the wall a little closer you were quick to add, "Yeah. We should get going."

"Felix will be asking questions," he said nervously as he picked up his bag.

"So will Pink," you added as you grabbed your things.

"Roommates," you both sighed simultaneously, which made the two of you giggle.

Walking towards the door of the classroom, Max gracefully held the door open for you.

You couldn't help but smile to his gentleman manors.

"Thank you very much," you playfully said, but the gratitude was real.

He picked up to it and gave you a playful grin, "You are more than welcome, princess."

You couldn't help but roll your eyes at his comment.

Walking side by side for a while you eventually had to part ways. Not wanting to get caught.

"We should repeat that... like.. hanging out... talking- Alone," Max finally blurred out.

You were quick to agree with a nod, "We'll find each other."

"Yeah," the Hatter easily agreed, "we always seem to do, huh?"

"Yup," you replied smiling. "See ya then, Hatter," you added with a pretend hat bow as you started skipping away. Like literally doing happy jumps. You just couldn't help yourself.

Luckily he loved it, with a fake annoyed eye roll and a heavy sigh he started walking towards his dorm, thinking of an excuse for Felix.

Days turned into weeks where you two have been repeating this.

Meeting in secret.

Moving into smaller places, like the broom closet, due to almost getting caught in the art classroom one day.

Casual conversations turning into more serious ones.

And just conversation turning into being awfully close.

A brush of a hand turned into comforting hugs which eventually led to...

A random Wednesday you were meant to meet in the broom closet again, but you had to bring some art supplies back to the art classroom first. Coincidentally he had to pass the room, but as he realized you were in there alone, he made it his mission to scare you.

Max carefully closed the door behind him as he sneaked up to you.

You were humming songs to yourself as you put the things away. Totally unaware of your surroundings.

Just after you put some acrylic colors down, he snuck up on you and-

"BOO!", he yelled as she squeezed your sides.

He scared you so bad that you literally jumped up, turned around and slapped him.

"Ouch, princess. That's a bit much," he said in a whiney tone as he rubbed his cheek.

"Max! Sorry, reflexes," you tried to justify your reaction.

"You scared the living hex out of me," you said with a giggle as you finally hugged him. "Never do that again."

"Alright. I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself," he reasoned as he hugged you back.

He wouldn't admit it to anyone but your hugs make him actually feel good.

Slowly pulling back you still held on to one another, just looking at each other.

"I get it," you eventually said.

This proximity was driving you nuts. Your heart started beating faster and you kept catching yourself looking at his lips.

Obviously he noticed and dared a look at yours too.

"Can I kiss you?", you eventually blurred out as he looked at your lips for like the third time.

"Yes," Max whispered before getting closer to kiss you first.

As your lips connected you felt over the moon. It was more than you could have imagined.

But as soon as the kiss started you two ended it. The chance of getting caught flood your two minds.

Surprisingly he smiled widely at you. You couldn't help but do the same.

"I don't want to ruin this but... we probably should leave," he said as noises could be heard from the outside.

"You're right," you agreed.

Max was the first one to leave the room. That gave you time to let all the joy out. Jumping up and down and squealing out of happiness.

This moment. It probably was your favorite one ever.

After that day you two have changed, but neither of your friends or your parents seemed to have realized. Maybe they did but didn't say anything. It was for the best because they couldn't know. Not yet at least.

But this feeling and connection grew. It got stronger and stronger and all you thought about was making this official.

Because the kisses have gotten more frequent. Which made passing in the halls and in class a living hell.

You knew you'd have to ask him to make this official eventually. Because you couldn't keep on going on like this. And you sure as hex didn't want to lose him.

It's already have been months.

One day you walked into the broom closet where you two said to meet first. Hearing the door open and seeing him step through you felt your heart racing.

"Hi," you mumbled as he stopped in front of you after closing the door behind him.

"Hey," he mumbled back as his hand snaked to your neck.

Absentmindedly he played with your hair, "You look pretty today."

"Just today?", you joked with a scoff. "Thank you."

It was pretty dark in there. Just a small window that barely let any light in.

"Did I ever tell you how adorable you look in your little hat?", you complimented him back as you adjusted his hat. That way you could see him better.

And even though it was dim in the broom closet you could see him blush.

"Thank you," he partly sarcastically snapped back at you as he brushed your arm away from his hat.

Catching his wrist you guided his hand to your hip. Holding it in place.

"You know I mean it, right?", you wanted to make sure he knows. Because he still has this reputation of the bad guy at Auradon prep due to his father. But he is nothing like him.

You wanted him to know that you think nothing of those rumors. After all, you know the real Max Hatter.

He looked down shyly, letting go of your neck to scratch his own.

"I guess... it's just still hard to believe.. that a princess ... likes me."

You scoffed as you reached out for his other hand to place it on your hip now, mirroring what you did earlier. Moving your own hands to wrap around his neck. Intentionally you pulled him a little bit closer.

"Not just any princess. I'm the princess who's dad was a well known thief and who's mother has magical hair, you know. There are huge rumors about me too, in case you forgot. And high expectations everyone seems to have about me," you said a little sad now thinking of it.

"I know it's not easy. But I know better than anyone that you are not your dad. And I love you, for just who you are, Max."

Suddenly everything went still.

Your confession slipping your lips.

Neither of you dared to go down this path. Even though you really wanted to. But not like this. Not just slipping it out.

Panic started to rise inside of you.

"I- I mean- I didn't mean to- I-," you stumbled over your words and thoughts as you nervously started fidgeting with his hair at the back of his neck.

"It's okay, Y/N," he said, suddenly bursting into a giggle. "Gosh, you're adorable like that."

"But I-", you wanted to start again but he wouldn't let you.

"Shh. You don't need to defend yourself. I'm quite flattered, actually."

Now you were the one blushing.

"I know I am nothing like my dad. And I know, you know that too. I see that... And I also see you. For who you are. And... I love you for being you."

He confessed so easily, at least it seemed like it, because actually he was so nervous inside.

After all, he never felt for anyone this way. So admitting what he feels and actually claiming it as love was so odd to him.

The panic and doubt in your face instantly vanished and happiness filled your body.

"You do?", you wanted to make sure as you stepped even closer, bodies pressing against each other now.

"Yes," he admitted. Making this all oh-so-real.

And that was it. You couldn't hold it in anymore. Just like your mother would in a happy situation, you started to hysterically jump up and down.

"MAX HATTER LOVES ME," you yelped way too loud and way too excited.

As you realised what you were doing you stopped jumping, held his shoulder and looked at him with raised eyebrows and big eyes.

"Hex, I was being way too loud again. I'm sorry."

Max started laughing and pulled you in for a tight hug.

"Oh my hat, don't apologize for being yourself. You're fine," slowly pulling back, he held you tight by your hips, "And I'm really flattered seeing you so happy because of me."

You couldn't help but giggle as you looked at him, scanning every inch of his face, "I want to tell my friends about us. And my parents."

Your exciting and eager demeanor was almost intoxicating to him. He thought about it. Not just now but a few weeks ago already. It's a kind of scary thought. But he wanted so too.

"Okay. Fine. We can tell them," he carefully but surely agreed.

You couldn't help yourself but finally crush your lips on his. It made you feel like fireworks were exploding in your tummy.

After you pulled back you softly squeezed his face.

"I can't wait to walk hand in hand with you publicly."

Max couldn't help but roll his eyes at you, "I can't with you enthusiasm sometimes."

But honestly? He loved it. You were the energy that was missing in his life. And soon everyone would know.

“Yeah, well just..'uh...don’t let it happen again” Max stammers out with his cheeks tinted with a light pink that was not there before. 

“Well, I will see you around Max. I better get to class since I don't want to be late” you say with a smile before turning away and setting off towards your class. As you walk away, you can’t help the grin on your face as you wonder how long it will take for him to notice his wallet is gone. 

Max, completely dumbfounded by the entire interaction, stands unmoving, and watches you walk away. Realizing what he is doing, he snaps himself out of it and heads to his class. 

“Crazy HKs” Max mutters under his breath. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It would not be until after the final class ends that Max would realize that his wallet is missing. Max is currently sitting in the garden talking with the other VKs. 

“You should have seen the look on his face after the reading I gave him” Felix laughs as he recounts his earlier tarot reading with one of the HKs that morning. 

“Sounds like a blast” Hazel barely responds, as she is more focused on trying to get the Smees to stop climbing the nearby tree before they hurt themselves. 

“I had the strangest interaction with who I think is Rapunzel's daughter. I never caught her name.” Max says to the group now that Felix is done with his story. 

“I think it’s Y/N” Felix responds, having met you in his Auradon's history class. 

After learning your name Max couldn’t help but notice how much it suited you.

“Well, she crashed into me this morning, causing her to fall down. When I helped her up, I saw that she had a nice bracelet so I snatched it. Then out of nowhere she hugged me before running off” Max tells his friends, still confused by the experience. 

“Hugged you? Oh, I wish I could have seen that” Hazel laughs at Max after having successfully distracted the Smees with snacks. “Did she notice the missing bracelet?” 

“No, she didn’t. It looks expensive though” Max shares as he reaches into his coat pocket to show his friends the bracelet. While he is able to find the bracelet, his pocket is noticeably emptier. Realizing what has happened, Max exclaims “My wallet is gone! I think the princess snatched my wallet!” 

Hazel and the other VKs finding the situation hilarious start crying out with laughter. The image of a princess taking Max’s wallet is too ridiculous not to laugh at. 

“The princess took your wallet, and you didn’t even notice. No wonder she hugged you out of nowhere” Hazel continues to laugh while drying a fake tear from her eye with her hook. 

“It's not funny guys!” Max responds distressed. “I thought she was just overly nice like some of the other HKs. Now I’m going to have to go find her to get it back”. Max stands up getting ready to go search for Y/N. 

“Good luck with that” Felix tells his friend while still laughing. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Across campus, you are happily painting away in the art classroom. Technically no students are supposed to be in here, but after you had picked the lock multiple times, Fairy Godmother got tired of trying to stop you since you weren’t doing anything besides paint. Unsure of what to paint today, you dipped your paintbrush into some purple paint before bringing it up to the canvas. Your brush glides across the canvas, and while you were unsure of what you were painting, you knew it would come to you soon. 

As Max passed by the art classroom in search of you, he heard movement coming from inside the classroom. This stood out to him as there were normally no teachers left in the classroom at this hour. Moving closer to investigate, he sees you inside the classroom painting. 

Opening the door quickly Max exclaims “You took my wallet!” 

Surprised by his sudden appearance you drop your paint brush, which thankfully misses the canvas. “You made me drop my brush” you huff out sadly. 

“You took my wallet earlier” Max repeats again, not caring about having startled you. 

“And you took my bracelet” You respond unimpressed, picking up your dropped brush. 

“If you knew I took your bracelet, why didn’t you say anything?” Max questions. 

“Where’s the fun in that? I wanted to see how long it would take you to notice” you laugh, pulling out Max’s wallet from your bag. 

“I don’t think stealing wallets is very princessy behavior” Max can’t help but grin at you, intrigued by your behavior. 

“Well, my dad used to be a thief, and you were just asking for it when you took my bracelet.” You smile at him. “I’ll trade you your wallet back for my bracelet.” 

“Hmm” Max hums. “Or I could keep your bracelet, and you give me my wallet back.” He smirks at you. 

“Ha. Very funny Max” You respond sarcastically. “How about I keep your wallet and steal my bracelet back when you least expect it, leaving you with nothing.” 

“Fine, your bracelet for my wallet” Max concedes, taking your bracelet out of his pocket. 

You and Max trade back your items keeping a close eye on each other to make sure neither of you takes something from the other.  

“It was a pleasure doing business with you Max” you tell him as you begin to pack your stuff up getting ready to leave the classroom as it was getting late. 

“I never knew a princess could have such sticky fingers” Max says with a smile. 

“Well, there’s a lot you don’t know about me” you smile back at him before walking up to Max, reaching up to cradle his face, and planting a soft kiss on his cheek. Stepping back from him, you add with a wink “I’ll see you around Hatter”. 

Before Max knew it, you were out the door before he even had the chance to respond. It was only when he heard your laughter down the hallway, did he realize that his hat was missing.

Breathless and rosy cheeked Max knew that would not be the last time he saw you.

A/N (7/29/26) - Hi everyone my taglist is currently CLOSED and at capacity. For updated information please check my most recent post or my navigation page.

Max Hatter Fics Taglist-

@emminomm

@eimear143647

@savagelysevereassassin

@kristend512

@cardboard1789

@415malia

@cassofheartsss

@lunarwisteria

@ahhhhhhh83

@darknessofhell666-blog-blog

@lizzishereee

@ch3rrib0mbz

@winne-not-your-boo

@exxpl0si0n

@fromsaltandsea

@fluffy-dog8

Things were better for Red and Chloe when we got back to our real timeline. Unknowingly things were way worse for me. It was the first day of school at auradon prep, white hair flailed on my shoulders just as it usually did. There was no telling what today would hold, only hopes of an ordinary school day with new friends and a great boyfriend. 

Max Hatter, I’d known him most of your life but it wasn’t until recently we became a “thing” . It was happy and comfortable. He was shy and dotting, complimenting the outgoing and energetic personality I carried. When I reached the courtyard that morning something strange began. People were calling Red a princess and HK she was being fawned over by a Madrigal. Who was the girl with pink hair? 

Perhaps everything didn’t go to plan, that’s when I heard his voice echoing through the courtyard unusually loud. His purple hair finally met your eyes. Wait, purple hair? Was that Max? 

Walking over to his eccentric group of friends felt wrong, Max didn’t befriend a bunch of no gooders. He was shy and friendly. Yet I looked at him now picking someone's pocket. I walked there anyway, timidly approaching the group. 

“Rabbit” Max seemingly snarled at me. “Come to rob us of our watches have you?” His voice is confident and almost threatening. 

“What?” I mutter staring down at my shoes. “Max what on earth are you doing?” 

“What’s the matter, can't take a little bit of a show?” He smirked. 

Red and Chloe were walking by and I skittered to catch up with them. “Uh guys what did we do? My boyfriend doesn’t seem to like me and he’s a VK now?” I say through anxious chattering lips. 

“Yeah and I have a sister.” Red adds “We might have messed a few things up.” She grimaces. 

I needed to fix things. It had been just a single night since we’d gotten back but seemingly things were very wrong. “We have to undo this!” I shouted at my new friends if I could call them that. 

“We can’t.” Chloe assures me “My mom will be beheaded and Red’s mom will still be evil.” 

I understood what she was saying but whatever happened to Max to change him into whatever he was now had to be bad. “What about me?” I felt selfish saying it but it came out regardless. 

Then a clatter of a coin got our attention. Max had yelled something at Robbie Hood about giving to a collection box and threw a coin at him. 

Luis Madriagal chimed in “Drop the act Hatter no matter how hard you pretend we know you're just like your father.” 

What was wrong with Max’s father? Maddox had always been a welcoming calm presence to you. “Whats wrong with his dad?” I ask Luis.

“You mean the number one villain in all of Auradon?’ Yeah that was new. 

Max stood looking at me almost like he wanted to say something. He didn’t. I chatter my teeth again to try and keep calm, an anxious habit I have always had. Suddenly a pink card flies through the air. 

Red catches it and gasps just before a curly haired boy holding his own stack of cards snatches it. “Hey, give that back!.” I demand and Max takes it out of the kids hand to shove it back to Red. Maybe he wasn’t so evil. 

“What’s wrong?” Chloe stands beside Red, her head held high like it usually is. 

“Maddox Hatter has my mom.” Red’s voice almost trembles but she barely lets it show. “She’s trapped in wonderland with him.” 

 I swallow hard and follow Red Chloe and Pink to the dorms as we try to come up with a plan. 

Red insists we go to Wonderland. I’m not sure I think it’s a good idea at all, it is my home but apparently everything has changed now. We approached the portal to Wonderland and just as we were about to jump a voice came from behind us. 

“We’re coming to Wonderland with you.” It was that curly haired boy with the cards. His name was Felix I think. Chloe crossed her arms and bobbed her head around at the VKs standing behind the portal. “Our interests don’t exactly align.” She looked ready to throw punches unusually aggressive for a princess. 

“You need someone who can beat my father at his own game.” It was Max this time who spoke. “I can help with that.” 

Goosebumps rose on my arms thinking about going on a rescue mission with my accidental ex boyfriend. It appeared I had no say because Red was inviting them to jump. I went first, it was the “rabbit hole” after all. 

When we cascaded down the almost never ending tunnel I saw many things. Almost like memories that hadn’t happened yet. I was sitting in front of this purple throne in a clock tower. My hair was black and it was eerily dark and quiet. The image quickly shot out of my brain as I landed with a thump onto a patch of sunflowers. 

The breath of fresh air didn’t last long because a body smacked down on top of me. It took me a moment to regain my composure after getting the air knocked out of me before I realized it was Max. 

He quickly flailed off of me. “Sorry,” he muttered, barely intelligible. 

The rest of the group was already up and off on their way to the garden but I stood behind awkwardly. Parts of me wished I had never gone back in time so at least if my life changed I wouldn’t know it. 

Max also hung behind studying something in the distance. I decided I wanted to study him. He was just as pretty as ever, just with brighter colors adorning him. He gave off a different vibe too, not as shy or caring. I knew the boy I had known had to be in there somewhere but whatever Maddox had going on now must have really affected Max. 

“What is it?” I ask him as he squints towards where the group is walking. His scoff accompanied with a shake of his head makes me want to break down and bawl like a baby. 

He picks up his pace catching up with the group but I linger behind still. Anxiety eating up at me. How would I ever get him back? 

The garden had pretty flamingos made of flowers it was enchanting. Not as enchanting as the garden, Me and Max always talked about planting together. It was sad seeing him so apathetic to plants when that was our greatest thing in common. “Whats that?” I shout pointing to a mechanical bird looking at me with magic purple eyes. 

“My father, he's using it to spy on us.” Max shouted back. The panic on everyone's faces was the most intense thing I had ever seen. Even Luis, strong as ever looked horrified. 

“What do we do?” Red spoke up, the only one of us not completely stunned. 

“We could use it to spy on him instead.” Chloe suggested a bit confusing for such a goodie goodie. 

Max instantly shook his head “Way too dangerous we need to run.” I agreed with Max and so did Red. Before we could come to a group decision the beautiful floral flamingos turned mechanic and we all darted in different directions as the birds attacked. 

I tried to hide inside of a tree but I didn’t exactly fit. My teeth chattered so loud I knew the birds would find me. Just as a flamingo beak almost got me in the face, a hand grabbed under my shoulder and yanked me into the air. I steadied my feet on a sign post nailed to the big tree. “Thank you” 

I looked up slowly only to realize it was Max who had grabbed me. Eye contact felt awkwardly nice. “Don’t thank me, it's my dads fault.” 

I grimaced and wanted to say something, tell him it wasn’t him. I didn’t get the chance because a bird flew at me. Not a flamingo but a mechanical dodo like the one spying on us. I flailed on my feet and began to fall backwards. 

Panic set in and I heard an awful scream. It wasn’t mine, it was his. He still cared? Just before I could smack into the ground Luis Madrigal of course caught me. I couldn’t help but notice how uncomfortable that made Max. Maybe just maybe love transcended our time catastrophe even if he hadn’t realized it yet.