a stitch in time saves nine

[onlyredroses]

Who: The Queen of Hearts and whoever wishes to play out receiving buttons.
Where: In each character's other!world, as it were.
When: During Coraline's event.
Rating: Varies thread per thread, but let's go with a general rating of PG-13.
Summary: You do want to stay, don't you, darlings? And just think, you can have everything you ever wanted if

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[haruhifujioka]

As Haru entered the room she tried to keep things in perspective. She was just checking things out. She was just seeing what the other option was ... wasn't she? This world, her friends. These weren't her friends right? But the other Yori ... he'd been so afraid for her to leave. How could things be so wonderful if he felt that way

[onlyredroses]

"Ah, Haruhi," a long-fingered, daintily-manicured hand rested gently on top of Haruhi's hair, playing gently through the strands, and Ryoji Fujioka-- or 'Ranka' as he tended to go by, these days-- smiled down at his daughter, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close.

Just the other residents she'd met in this strange, different version of Wonderland so far, his eyes were as button-bright and artificial, though just like real eyes, they half-disappeared when his mouth creased into a smile.

"Just look at you," he chided, almost scoldingly. "You've not been taking care of yourself at all, have you?" Hands tousled her hair again, and turned her around gently, as though to get a better look at just how Wonderland had treated his daughter. His lips pursed in disapproval.

"Perhaps we can start with your clothes..." He began, hopefully. One could almost imagine the visions of frilly dresses dancing in his head.

[haruhifujioka]

She blinked, looking into those button eyes. It was unnerving but ... but he was her father. Maybe not really her father, but something. It had been three years since she'd seen him, and, she missed him horribly. "The mansion does it. It's been giving me dresses recently." She tugged at her hair lightly.

She felt strangely awkward. This wasn't really her father. She knew that. This was some strange creation of her father with button eyes. Still, what if she could never return home again? Could she really give up this chance?

[onlyredroses]

"Well, then, the Mansion sounds like it and I would get along!" He exclaimed cheerfully, setting one hand on his hip. After a moment, he appeared to notice his daughter's fixated gaze, and he frowned lightly, blinking down at her.

"What's wrong, dear?"

let's pretend I'm backdating his actual journal so this might make sense fff

[slytherinslie]

Severus stepped into the room, frowning slightly at the box on the table. Everything had seemed so perfect that last couple of days. People were actually being nice to him for once and he'd had the impression that, had she been here, Lily would have forgiven him on the spot, talked to him, told him that she preferred him over James and always had.

It seemed so good.

Too good.

The box slid open in his fingers and he stared down at the buttons. Just like the ones on the rag doll.

And then the door opened again. He turned and his heart nearly stopped. Lily... just as she had been before she'd died, the last time he had seen her. She looked radiant and there was no trace of anger or sorrow in her eyes now.

"Lily..." he whispered, voice longing to hear her answer.

[onlyredroses]

Older and sweeter, Lily Evans stepped close to Severus, stopping just within arm's length-- and with careful, deliberate movements, she reached out to clasp his hands in her own, as warm and real as she had always been in life. Every detail from the shimmer of her hair to the smile dimpling her cheek was just as it should be--

Except for her eyes, which were bright, green glass that shimmered in a pale face.

"Oh, Sev," she whispered, softly. "I am so sorry I left without telling you. I wanted to, but..." She trailed off, lips quirking ruefully. "You're not going to hold it against me, are you?"

[slytherinslie]

Severus almost couldn't stand looking at her again but he couldn't tear his eyes away. He'd lost her once before coming here, lost her to death itself, and then she'd left him here in Wonderland. Twice he'd lost her... He didn't think he could stand losing her a third time.

Her hands slid around his and he returned the grip, holding on as though he didn't want her to leave, was afraid she might.

"How could I? You're back now, Lily."

Back and he'd do absolutely anything to keep her here.

[onlyredroses]

"I am. And I want to stay." The way Lily's lips curved was familiar-- but now, touched with regret. "But you can't, Sev." Her head turned down, shoulders slumping at the news she had to impart, and her hands, very gently, let go.

[helena_campbell]

Helena walked into the room, looking curious. Music from the grounds trickled into the room, a pleasent melodious tune. She glanced about the empty room before she caught sight of the box on the table. She opened the cover, excited to see what was inside.

Of course, she saw the buttons.

She paused, staring at them for a litle while, not comprehending. Her face fell, as she also caught sight of the needle and thread. The sharp point twinkled in the light that seemed to come from nowhere. She backed away, nervous, then turned around, determined to ignore the box.

That's when she saw her mother, standing just in front of the now closed door. Her mother, in full health, no longer bedridden, and a loving smile on her face. Helena, in a haze of disbelief and shock threw her arms around her and hugged her tightly. "Mum!" she cried. "You're alright. You're okay." In her haste, she hadn't yet noticed her button eyes.

[onlyredroses]

Joanna laughed brightly, quietly, stroking a hand over her daughter's hair before pulling back. She certainly seemed in the pink of health, button-eyes aside, with a warm flush to her skin. "Of course I am, Helena," she chided softly. "I couldn't very well leave my own daughter alone now, could I?"

[helena_campbell]

Helena hugged her tighter. She had been without that comfort for over a month. "I've been here for so long... It was fun, at first, but I just wanted to go home. Now that you're here it doesn't really matter, I suppose. Dad's here too, right? Somewhere..."

She pulled away from the hug, grinning, and stood an arm's length away from her mother.

He big smile faded slowly when she saw the buttons.

"Your eyes, did they..." Helena glances back at the box on the table, afraid. "...Didn't it hurt? And what does that mean, that you have them?"

[onlyredroses]

"That's right," Joanna nodded, softly, a smile dimpling her cheek. "I'm sure he'll be glad to see you too, after so long. You've had enough of this 'real life' business to satisfy you, haven't you?"

She paused, looking down at Helena thoughtfully. "Why, it didn't hurt at all. Just a little pinch..." She sighed, hugging her daughter close. "And, well, it was the only way I could see you again, you see? You can only stay in this world if you've got these."