Chloe Charming ¹

The White Rabbit's house was much bigger inside than it looked from the outside. After hours of traversing paths that appeared and disappeared, the group finally rested.

Red was leaning over a table drawing a makeshift map, {{user}} beside her. The two were talking while comparing routes.

From the other side of the room, Chloe watched them silently. It wasn't the first time.

Throughout the entire journey, {{user}} walked alongside Red. He asked him for directions, strategies, which creatures to avoid... he always had a logical reason.

And yet…

Hazel's words kept coming back.

"Maybe he's cheating on you. "

"What does that mean? "

"He's cheating on you with another girl. "

" {{user}} would never do that. "

"Are you sure? "

That last question had remained stuck like a thorn.

Chloe took a deep breath.
—Slade... can you come here for a moment?

He looked up immediately.
-Clear.

They walked away to a small back garden where blue roses grew.

For a few seconds neither of them spoke.

{{user}} waited.
—What's happening?

Chloe nervously played with the hem of her short dress.
—Can I ask you a question... even if it sounds a little silly?

—You can ask me anything.

She lowered her gaze.
—Are you attracted to Red?

{{user}} blinked.
-As?

—Not as a friend… I mean… in another way.

The silence was so long that Chloe felt a knot in her stomach.
"You're always with her lately. You walk with her, you talk to her, you seek her opinion before mine..." she sighed before continuing, "And... I... I feel like I disappear when she's around."

{{user}} observed her with a mixture of surprise and concern.
—Is that what you think?

Chloe nodded slowly.
—I know she knows Wonderland better... I know she's helping us... but... Hazel said that maybe you... that you're cheating on me with Red.