Well here it is Friends, the last chapter :( sigh... (well not really, I added an epilogue so technically this aint the last one lol. After reading this pls continue ahead to the epilogue. I uploaded them at the same time) THANK YOU SO MUCH to every one who fave'd and reviewed YOU GUYS ARE BOMB! seriously! wooohoo! final two chapters are up! I hope you enjoy the ending. Any unanswered questions should be answered in the Epilogue chapter. Thanks again to every one who read!

Summary: Alice and Ronald are finally be back in London, but more problems arise as their parents have plans for their future! With no plan, or a way back to Underland, will they have to go through with their parent's plans, or will Alice's friends in Underland find a way to get her home? Will Hatter get to Alice in time?

In which a duel ensues for The Champion's heart

Disclaimer: If I owned Alice in Wonderland, then this story would be in theaters as a Part 2... But, I dont own anything so... oh well. I dont own Alice in Wonderland or any of the Characters in this story. (Except Ron)

"Is something the matter Tarrant?" A white Knight exclaimed right as he blocked a blow from Tarrant's sword with his shield"

"What'r yeh talking about lad! Nothins the matter" The Hatter grunted in his heavy accent as he crossed swords with the Knight. The Hatter brought his leg up and kicked the knight in the chest, breaking their locked swords. The Knight stumbles back for a second but came back at Tarrant whipping him with his shield.

"I've been sparring with you for a while" he huffed as he blocked yet another blow from The Hatter "And you seem more… enraged as of late" He chucked as he elbowed his opponent in the rib. Tarrant fell back a bit and quickly turned to see the Knight standing above him with his sword in the air as if to strike.

"No!" The Hatter huffed as he swept his leg across the floor, sending the Knight falling to his back. The Hatter gets up quickly and kicks the Knight's sword away, pointing the tip of his sword at the fallen Knight's neck. "Nothing's the matter with me, friend, you've just been losing your touch!" he joked as he held out an arm to help the Knight to his feet.

"Whatever you say Hatter" The Knight said as he walked away shaking his head. The Hatter slumped his shoulders and sat in the middle of the practice ring watching the sand in the air finally settling around him. He sighed deeply as he looked up in the sky.

"Please come home soon, Alice" Suddenly he feels a fluttering in his chest and his breath catches in his throat. He leans onto his sword to stand up from his seated position as he tries to discern the feeling in his chest. A wide grin soon appears on his face and he feels as though all his misery is being swept off his being by heavy rain.

"Now you look more like yourself Tarrant! What happened?" The Knight said as he came up to him with a glass of water. He looks at the suddenly happy Hatter in confusion as he chugged his water. The Hatter took the glass from the Knight and poured it over his head before running off to the palace.

"Let's spar another time friend!" The Hatter called as he raced to the Palace. The smile on his face never left as he made his way through the gardens towards the large doors of the throne room. His heart pounds excitedly in his chest as he feels a million butterflies swoop into his stomach. Goosebumps spread throughout his skin as he feels electricity shivering through his whole body. He couldn't contain the sudden happiness that was bursting out of his heart. He threw open the throne room doors to see Mirana sitting on her throne whispering excitedly with McTwisp.

"Mirana! I need to talk to you!" he said forgetting the formalities. Her court gasped slightly at the sight of The Hatter in his a practice tunic and breeches, his hair dripping wet and looking quite filthy with sand, his sword still in his grip.

"Please excuse us," Mirana smiled to her court as they leave the room. She looked at him in shock as she took in his appearance.

"What seems to be so important that you had to ask me before having a bath Tarrant" she said with a face, pointing at his attire. The Hatter ignored the question and caught his breath.

"What is this feeling?..." he said still trying to catch his breath. "It suddenly came over me a few moments ago, while I was sparring! I suddenly felt so very happy! I was smiling and I had this feeling in my stomach like before…and … I feel much… Muchier all of a sudden! What's going on Mirana?" He rambled in one breath. Mirana smiled knowingly and nodded her head.

"Dear Hatter, we will be having tea in the garden tomorrow," she said. The Hatter opened his mouth to speak and she quickly lifted a finger to interrupt. "You might want to take a bath, Hatter" she giggled. "You'll get your answers tomorrow. Don't be late for tea"

The Hatter sat at his place in the tea table with a smile on his face. He still hasn't been able to figure out the sudden feeling of happiness but decided against questioning it and accepted it instead. He has been quite miserable since the day he saw Alice crying, that he had somehow forgotten what it felt like to be truly happy. But this sudden happiness coming from his heart was a welcome change to the darkness he felt as of late. He looked around at the empty table and frowned a little. "Too early..." he whispered to himself before hearing footsteps in the path.

"Ah Hatter! You're early!" Mirana chimed as she made her way to the table. She set the small dormouse on the table and took a seat, smiling happily as she waited for the rest of the party to get settled. "Right, are we all settled?" she asked before finally gliding towards the mirror. She fluttered her fingers excitedly as she started her ritual. Finally, she sits down in her place and watches as hazy picture appears on the mirror.

The Hatter's breath hitched in his throat as he saw a fuzzy yet familiar patch of green and blue. He stifled a yelp as the picture cleared to show bright green grass and blue skies and a small white structure in the distance.

'Could it be? Is she finally back? Is she coming home?" he thought.

"Our Champion, please" Mirana called before they were whooshing through blades of grass finally stopping in front of the manor. They were led throughout a maze of dissolving rooms and walls before finally stopping in front of a door. As the door dissolves from view, The Hatter let out a loud squeak just as Mirana yanks his hat off his head and slammed it to his face. "Avert your eyes gentlemen!" she screamed as she ran towards the mirror. "Ronald! LORD SCOTT! SHOW US LORD SCOTT!" Mirana yelled covering the mirror with her body. She cringed at the sound of her shrill voice as it reminded her of her sister's demands of execution. "Mirror, please… a little help until our champion is decent" she whispered, and turned to see that the mirror is once again blurry, with small ripples as if rain is falling in a still pond. "I'm quite sorry Friends I never expected the mirror to show us our Alice getting out of her bath." She said as The Hatter hesitantly moves his hat from his face. The rest of the party cautiously turned back towards the mirror, as Mally laughed heartily. The Queen brings a finger to her lips to shush the laughing mouse before settling back into her seat. She turned apologetically to The Hatter who was blushing a deep red and twiddling his fingers nervously. The table was silent as they watch the ripples on the mirror.

"Naked" March yelped while tugging at his ears as The Hatter blushed a deeper red.

Mirana took one more deep breath before calling out to the mirror "Please show us Lord Scott" she said as they mirror took them down a path just a ways off from The Kingsley Manor. They were met by a carriage and as the walls around the carriage disappeared they see Lord Scott with his parents. Ronald was looking out the window wistfully nodding at what his parents were saying.

"Ronald, son? Are you listening to us?" His father said tapping his cane on Ron's knee.

"Yes father I am" he answered still looking out the window.

"So you agree then?" His mother asked with a hopeful tine.

"Agree to what?" He asked.

"Ronald Scott will you stop dreaming out the window and listen to what we have to say?" His mother scolded. Ronald sighed and turned to his parents attentively, waiting for them to speak.

"We were saying…" His father started. "That it is time for you to settle down! We've given you enough time and now…" his father said taking a small light blue velvet box from his pocket, "it's time for you to ask for Ms Kingsley's hand" he finished as he opened the box to show Ron an exquisite engagement ring.

"Father I told you before! I'll ask for her hand when I see fit! You cannot tell us what to do!" He exclaimed.

"It's done Ronald! We've talked about it with Mrs. Kingsley, you will ask for her hand and that is the end of it! And what's the problem honestly, Ronald you and Ms Kingsley seem to be rather fond of each other! You are a man Son, and you need to grow up!" his father roared angrily. Ron clutched his hands into fists as he grits his teeth hard. He fumed silently, glaring at his father until they reached Kingsley Manor.

"This isn't happening! She's finally back home and I'm going to lose her again" The Hatter yelled getting up from his seat. "This isn't happening! They can't force my Alice to marry if… she doesn't want to… does she want to marry him?" He turned to ask Mirana. The Queen just gave him an understanding smile and pats his arm gently.

"You need to trust her, Tarrant" Mirana whispered.

A butler opens the door and respectfully greets the visitors before inviting them in. He leads them to a sitting area before calling on Mrs. Kingsley. Mrs. Kingsley greets them warmly and leads them to the garden for tea and crumpets, informing them that Alice will be down shortly. Ronald sat rigid, without his usual charm as he waited at the tea table. He sees Alice walking towards them in the distance and rushes towards her as his parents shook their heads disapprovingly and apologized to their hostess.

Alice meets him with a smile that suddenly fades as he grasps her hands.

"They want me to ask for your hand Alice! What are we going to do? They want me to do it soon! We have to leave! My father gave me a ring and my mother…!" Ron rambled on.

"Ron! Get a hold of yourself!" Alice huffed. "Please, slow down, what's wrong, Love?" she asked trying to sound as soothing as possible. Ron calms down and slumps his shoulders, lessening the tight grip he had on her hands.

"Let's talk in private?" Alice suggested as she took his face into her gloved hand. He nodded solemnly, calmer now than he was a few moments ago. She slipped her hand into his arm and plastered a smile on her face while making her way to the tea table.

"Good Morning Mother, Good Morning Lord and Lady Scott" Alice curtsied. She looked at Ron who still wasn't quite himself, before throwing the group a charming smile. "I do apologize for Lord Scott's behavior Mother, if you wouldn't mind I would like to go for a walk with him around the garden before breakfast?" she asked as she stroked Ron's arm soothingly with her free hand. Their parents just smiled and nodded, and Alice curtsied like a proper lady before leading Ron away.

"You seem to have lost your Muchness Ronald! You usually do all the talking" she joked as they reached the familiar fountain. Ron smiled shyly before plopping sadly on to the floor.

"Alice… We might be in trouble here." He started. "Father… informed me that they have already agreed with your mother, that we are to be wed. He gave me this, and told me that I have to ask for your hand, and that it's time for me to settle down and grow up…" he said sadly as his eyes landed on the small box.

"No need to worry Ronald, we will be leaving for Underland in time, this will soon be behind us" She answered nonchalantly.

"You don't understand Alice he wants us to get engaged soon, we might not even have a week!" he explained. "And I haven't come to a decision whether I will stay in Wonderland with you Alice, I don't know if I will belong there, just like I don't belong here… I don't know if your friends will even allow me to be there and…"

"We'll talk to the White Queen! She rules Underland now, whatever she says is law!"

"Any friend of the Champion is always welcome here" Mirana answered, earning her a glare from The Hatter.

"Alice, I don't know" Ron said. Alice smiled at the sight of her best friend looking so defeated.

"I'm not sure I like you like this Lord Scott, I like you better when you were much more Muchier!" she said cheerily. "We'll figure it out, I'm sure" she said, she took his hand and pat it soothingly. Ron merely gave her a sad nod, his eyes still to the ground. "Honestly Ron, I don't like my best friend this way, please cheer up!" she chimed before giving him a kiss on the cheek. This earned her a hearty laugh from Ron who was looking more like himself. The Hatter shifted uncomfortably in his chair at the sight of Alice's bold action.

"Looks like some of my personality has rubbed off on you Ms Kingsley" he joked.

"Looks like" she agreed. "Are you alright now Ron?" she asked. Ron nodded and smiled before slipping the box into his pocket.

"I think we need to get to breakfast" he said, helping her up from the ground.

"Yes, I am rather hungry" Alice said walking ahead of him. "Coming Silly Boy?" she called.

They finally get to the breakfast table and happily sit next to each other as Mrs. Kingsley served them tea. They were in the middle of a quiet uneventful breakfast when Mrs. Kingsley finally clears her throat.

"I forgot to tell you Alice, we are going to the Scott's estate today for a party." She said nonchalantly. Alice and Ron froze instantly in their seats. "It will be in their garden which I hear is just magnificent! I have bought you a dress for such an occasion, it will be waiting in your room" she said trying to sound as casual as possible.
"Mother?" Alice whispered stubbornly.

"I wasn't informed of such a party Father!" Ronald said in a tone.

"It was a surprise party for your return from your travels" his mother answered blankly. She wiped her mouth and nodded to Mrs. Kingsley who gave her a knowing glance before standing up.

"I think we have to cut breakfast short, as Lord and Lady Scott has preparations before the party" she explained to the petrified pair. Lord and Lady Scott quickly got up and thanked their hostess before practically dragging Ron from the table. Ron looked back at Alice pleadingly; Alice could only muster to nervously shake her head before they were gone. Alice suddenly stood up and ran after Ron taking his hand as she caught up to him. His parents looked at her stunned for a moment before leaving them a moment alone.

"I'll think of something Ron, I promise. Just be at the party" she assured him. Ron nodded his head quickly as he heard his father call his name. A moment later he was gone and Alice was listening to the clicks of the horse's hooves as it pulled the carriage away. She took a deep breath and quickly made her way to her room and locked the doors. "Absolem I need you! Please!" she whispered.

McTwisp nervously tugged one of his ears and gave Mirana a glum look. Mirana understood at once what the problem was. This was going to be another Engagement Party. She wanted to trust Alice and Ronald to find away to get out of it as she knew that they were only friends but she needed to find a way to help them just in case they aren't able to find a way on their own.. "You know where all the rabbit holes lead, Nivens," she whispered to the nervous rabbit. "Find one that leads to them! Quickly dear friend!" she whispered as he hopped away. Before she could say another word, The Hatter was running from the Tea table calling for one of the guards to bring him his sword and a horse.

"I'm going too!" he said, his accent fairly audible "I'm not going to lose her" he whispered to himself as he mounted the white horse and raced towards the castle gates.

"You called, Champion?" Absolem yawned as he fluttered into Alice's room.

"Absolem please we are in dire need of your help! This afternoon… At the Scott's Estate… I'm to be engaged!" she choked at a sob. "We can't stay here! We need to get to Underland, but…I haven't the foggiest as to how…"

"Foolish Girl, you still have your Jabberwocky blood. That will lead you straight to Underland" He said lazily.

"Will it be enough for Ronald and me?" She asked nervously.

"Well that might be a problem… Ronald has never been to Underland, he wouldn't know what to visualize, he might end up in another part of the world altogether." Absolem explained as Alice paced her room.

"Can the Queen find a way to help?" Alice asked while wringing her hands together.

"I'm quite certain she's already trying to find a way" he assured her. "I will go and see her Alice, I'm certain she will find a way to help you" Absolem said, leaving Alice to cry on her bed.

An hour before the party, Alice was being dragged out of her home into a carriage by her excited mother.

"What's wrong Alice? You seem rather glum, compared to your demeanor this morning before taking your walk with Lord Scott?" She asked trying to sound casual.

"I don't like this corset" Alice answered deadpan. She looked out the window and took a deep breath as thought raced through her mind. She put her hand in a small pocket in her skirt and took out the blue kerchief and nervously twirled it around her fingers. She sighed loudly before putting the fabric back in her pocket. Soon enough the carriage slowed down and entered large gates and came to a halt in front of a great mansion. Alice took a deep breath as she got out of the carriage and walked up the steps to the front door. They were met by a butler who led them to a beautiful garden, with immaculately manicured lawns and exquisite marble fountains. Guests were already mingling with one another and music was playing softly. Lord and Lady Scott met the Kinsley's happily and walked them over to a table where Ronald was waiting. He stood at the sight of Alice and kissed her hand before dragging her off away from their parents.

"What are we going to do Alice?" He said once they found a small area where they could be alone.

"I spoke with Absolem, they are trying to find a way to get us, I just hope…"

"I hope they aren't too late…. But what if they are Alice? Would we just go along with this? Will we get married?" he rambled.

"I haven't thought that far ahead" she said sadly. "We just have to trust them; they'll get us out… I know Absolem will come flying in here any moment and…" she sighed loudly before putting a hand to her forehead.

"If they don't come… what are we to do?" Ron hesitantly asked.

"I… I don't know" Alice said dejectedly. They stayed in their private are for what seemed like hours before they finally hear Lady Scott's voice calling for them. They look around nervously trying to catch a glimpse of a blue butterfly but to no avail. They each took a deep breath before coming out of hiding and meeting Lady Scott at a clearing.

"Ronald, it's time Dear, meet your father quickly, I need a moment with Ms Kingsley" she said as she shooed Ronald away. Ron looked back at Alice anxiously before heading off to meet his father. Lady Scott takes Alice's arm in hers as she slowly led her back to the party, explaining little things about Ronald along the way. (She even almost let out a giggle as Lady Scott informs her that Ron hates his vegetables.) They finally reach the party and Alice watched as the guests gathered around a small gazebo in front of a massive fountain. "Alice, I know you and Ronald will be happy together!" she exclaimed as she gives Alice a gentle nudge towards the fountain. Alice meets Ronald at the gazebo as he anxiously holds his hand out to her. They look at each other with eyes swimming in fear before once again scanning the skies in hopes of seeing a small blue butterfly. Ron looks around to see his father nodding his head in approval. He looks at Alice pleadingly and shook his head lightly as Alice takes shallow breaths. He hesitantly gets on one knee, tightening his grip on Alice's hand as she lets out a small sob. His tears cloud his vision as he takes out the box from his breast pocket, and hold out the ring.

"Alice…" he started. "I'm sorry…" he whispered. He heard his father clear his throat as he looks up at Alice with a panicked expression. "Alice, will you be my…" he managed to get out before looking out to the crowd. His mind was racing as he scanned the group, His Mother and Father were looking at him expectantly and so was Lady Kingsley. Lord Ascot smiled at him brightly while Lady Ascot fanned herself with a bored expression. The Chattaways were giggling clasping at each other's hands. He saw his cousins, and his Uncles leaning in waiting for him to continue, the servants were whispering to each other quietly, a Man with bright orange hair and a colorful hat glared at him angrily, Alice's Aunt Imogene was sitting… "Wait!" Ron thought to himself as he scanned the crowd once more. "I saw him!" he whispered loudly to Alice as he got on his feet still holding on to her hand.

"What did you see Ron? Was it Absolem?"Alice whispered.

"What's going on Son?" Lord Scot called. Ronald ignored him as his eyes moved quickly through the crowd.

"Where is he? I saw him Alice!" he said once more, his eyes never leaving the group in front of him. Suddenly he sees a quick flash of color behind the bushes. "There!" he yelled pointing to the bush as everyone in the crowd turn to where he was pointing.

"I don't see Absolem Ron?" Alice asked trying to follow his finger.

"We have to go my love" Ron huffed as he rushed off the gazebo pulling Alice behind him.

"Where are you going boy?" Lord Scott called angrily.

"We just need a moment!" Alice answered breathlessly as she followed Ron past the crowd into the garden.

"Ronald Stop!" Alice called as she ran behind him whipping tree branches with her free hand. Ron kept chase at what he saw never taking his eyes off the path ahead of him. "Ron what are we following?" Alice yelled breathlessly.

"There! I saw it go behind that!" Ron exclaimed finally slowing down. They look behind them to see that they have run far past the garden party and were now in front of a lake face to face with a large tree. Ron grasped Alice's hand tightly as he cautiously stepped closer to the giant tree. It had massive branches and full leaves that seemed to cover any sight of the sun. "I saw something run behind this tree!" Ron whispered.

"I didn't see a thing Ronald? What has gotten into you?" She asked cautiously stepping behind him. As they got closer, they notice a gap in between one of the trees massive twisted roots. Ron knelt to the ground in front of the hole never letting go of Alice's hand. Alice sat closely behind him peeking over his shoulder at the dark space.

"Come out of there! I know you're in there!" he called into the hole.

"Ronald there's nothing there! Have you gone mad?" she managed a nervous chuckle before once again peering into the hole. Ron let out an exasperated sigh as he leaned towards the hole once more.

"I know I saw…!" he started before falling in to the hole pulling Alice along with him. They fell for what seemed like eternity through random objects and swirling colors before finally landing on solid ground. Ron gasped as he noticed he had fallen right on top of Alice, but before he could move a muscle the room seemed to have flipped over and they fell on their backs once more. He took shallow breaths as he clutched Alice's hand on his chest as she seemed to have landed on him. Alice smiled brightly as she lifted her head from his chest recognizing her surroundings.

"Ron, I think we made it!" She said happily as she pushed herself from his chest. Suddenly Ron's eyes glimmered angrily as he glared at a shadow above him. Alice yelped as she stared at the tip of a sword pointed at Ron's neck. She followed the sword to its owner and covered her mouth in shock when she identified the figure standing before them.

"Hatter what on earth are you doing!" Alice cried.

"Get up" The Hatter ordered, moving his sword slightly away from Ron's neck. Ron got up slowly, never removing his eyes from the Hatter as he held out an arm to help Alice up from her position. He extends his arm in front of her to move her behind him as she gripped at his sleeve.

"Hatter! Why are you doing this?" She called her voice shivering slightly.

"I challenge you to a duel, Scott" The Hatter exclaimed, practically ignoring Alice. "I cannot stand by while you ask for her hand knowing that she… and I belong together" he finished.

"Then I accept."Ron answered. "Stand back Alice," he said gently. "Sword!" he called out. The Hatter takes a sword from the table and tosses it at Ron's feet. Ron picks up the weapon and pulls it out of its sheath.

"This is ridiculous! Ronald you don't have to do this. Hatter what in heavens are you doing?" Alice scolded.

"You know Hatter; my father was a military man… And I was combat trained in any weapon from tender age." Ron said as he inspects the weapon slightly as he cracked his neck and took off his gloves; finally a sly grin appeared on his lips. "I warn you Hatter, I won't go easy on someone who has hurt Alice so deeply" started as he slowly walked to his left dragging the tip of his sword on the ground. The Hatter gave him a mad stare as he walked in the opposite direction, sword pointed at Ron. "I was rooting for you, but do you deserve her?" Ron finished as he rushed towards the Hatter brandishing his sword. The Hatter blocks his blow with his own weapon and pushed Ron back just before Ron whacked him in the jaw with the pommel of his sword.

"Stop it both of you! Please!" Alice called as she presses herself against a wall.

The Hatter screamed angrily as he kicked the small table out of the way. "Tsk Tsk, mustn't get too brutish in front of a Lady" Ron smirked right before he nodded at The Hatter, coaxing his opponent to attack. The Hatter did not disappoint and lunged towards Ron slashing his sword angrily right before Ron made his way behind him and kicked him in the back. The Hatter grunted as he swung his sword around missing Ronald's neck by mere inches. Ronald laughed as he stepped back eyeing the angry hatter before blocking a blow coming down his head. Their swords locked for a moment before the hatter kicked him square in the chest sending him stumbling back towards Alice. He stood in front of Alice holding his arm out to hold her back.

"Ron please stop, I don't want either of you getting hurt" Alice whispered angrily.

"Don't worry Alice, I won't hurt him" Ron smiled charmingly. "At least not too much" he chuckled as he lunged towards the Hatter whose eyes had turned bright yellow red. Ron gave an evil grin as he wiped the side of his lip with his thumb and shook his head. The Hatter came at him quickly slashing his sword maniacally, finally gaining the upper hand. Ron blocked the blows coming at him before the Hatter smashes him in the shoulder with the pommel of his sword. Ronald winced in pain as he slashed his sword upwards, blocking yet another hit from the Hatter. Suddenly, one of the bigger doors on the wall flew open as McTwisp hoped in followed by The White Queen.

"Stop this at once!" She commanded as she ran past the two and came to Alice, who was fuming at the wall. "Are you alright, Alice?" she asked as she touched Alice's cheek. Alice shook her head angrily before once again turning her attention to Ronald and The Hatter who have finally dropped their swords. Ronald pushed passed The Hatter towards Alice, taking her hands. Alice glared at him furiously squeezing his hands in hers.

"Ronald I asked you to stop" she hissed.

"I'm… I'm sorry" he said, pulling his hands away from her grip. He took a deep breath and brought his hands to her shoulders rubbing them gently. "Alice, you need to talk to him" he said looking into her eyes. She sighed deeply as her eyes finally soften, turning her gaze to the Hatter who was slumped facing away from her. She looked up to Ron for support once more before slowly heading towards The Hatter.

"Hatter?" she whispered as she put her hand on his shoulder. He tensed up at her touch and slightly turned his head to look at her hand. "Hatter… look at me" she said sliding her hand down his arm and catching his hand. He shook his head slightly, still refusing to face her. Alice finally moved around and stepped in front of him still holding his hand. She looked at him carefully, inspecting the sad look in his eyes.

"I-I… I had to prove to you that… you don't belong with him Alice! You belong here with… when I found out that you were to be wed I just… I couldn't… I couldn't let him take you and…!"

"Hatter!" Alice interrupted, grasping his hand tightly.

"Alice, I… I couldn't just stand back and let him take you away from me! I had to try, I had to fight for you and I would do it again." He explained finally bringing his eyes up to meet hers. "Alice?"

"Yes Hatter?"

"Please, don't choose him… stay here and be with… me" he squeaked. Alice forgot how to breathe for a second as she took in his words. With a deep breath she takes his hand and boldly placed it above her heart. The Hatter blushed greatly at the feel of her skin.

"What do you feel Hatter?" Alice asked still pressing his hand to her heart.

"Your… heart?" He says shyly. She steps closer to him taking his hand off her chest and letting it fall to his side.

"It only beats like that for one person, Tarrant" she whispered. Tarrant felt shivers down his spine at the sound of his name from her lips. "That person… isn't Ron." she said shyly turning her eyes to her feet. Suddenly she felt weak and was unable to face him. Tarrant felt a sudden surge of Muchness at the sight of the sheepish beauty in front of him. He took her hand and kissed her palm.

"Does it beat for me Alice?" He said, suddenly sounding more confident than he did just a few moments ago. Alice smiled bashfully at the sound of Tarrant's heavy accent. She blushed a deep crimson as he steps closer to her wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Tarrant..." she started feeling weak in the knees. Tarrant smiled charmingly as he took a lock of her curls in his free hand and kissed it lightly.

"Does it beat for me Alice?" he repeated once more, his deep voice laced heavily in his accent. She finally looks up into his eyes and puts her hand on his chest; she opens her mouth to answer but couldn't manage to get out a single word.

"Mine only beats for you," Tarrant said pressing her hand onto his chest. He brings up his hand and gently stroked her cheek before leaning in slightly. He takes one last glance in her eyes, to be certain she wouldn't retreat. As he feels her move closer to him, he closes his eyes to feel her wrap her arms around his neck. "I love you, Alice" he whispers before he finally feels her soft lips on his. He moved his mouth gently against hers, as he feels electricity shoot throughout his body. She finally pulls away slowly, resting her hands on his shoulders as she gazed into his light pink eyes. He finally pulls her in to a hug muttering his confession repeatedly in her ear, as he caressed her hair.

"Alice?" He asked as he pulled away, sheepishly looking to the ground. "Will you stay this time… with me?" he asked, his voice slightly shaking.

"Yes Tarrant, I will" she said as she tilted her head to meet his gaze.

"Alice…?" He said taking a deep breath and looking at her once more. "Alice, I love you. I've always loved you, and I always will" he confessed.

"I love you Tarrant, more than you can ever imagine" Alice confessed happily before drawing him in to another kiss. Their tender moment was interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Suddenly they both freeze, as they seemed to have forgotten that they weren't alone. They slowly turn to see a very uncomfortable White Rabbit tugging at the White Queen's skirt. Mirana merely gave them an understanding smile before turning to Ronald, who was proudly watching Alice.

"Lord Scott, any friend of the Champion is always welcome here in Underland" She started, gently fluttering her fingers in the air. "You will always have a place here, but the choice must be yours" she explained. Alice turned to Ronald pleadingly. Ron looked around and took in his surroundings.

"I have never belonged anywhere…" he started. "And no one has ever accepted me as I am, until you My Silly Girl," he joked. "but…" he sighed. Alice ran to his side immediately and took his hand in hers.

"Ron…" she started, the fear in her voice was obvious as she clutched his hands tighter.

"Well… I would like to finish our duel one of these days Hatter" he chuckled. Tarrant just smiled at the offer. "And I promised My Silly Girl that we would have more adventures together…" He continued as Alice's eyes lit up with excitement. "Do you want me to stay?" he whispered to Alice. She nodded eagerly as she held on tight to both of his hands. "Then, if it is alright with you, Your Majesty… I would love to stay" he finished, as Mirana clasped her hands to her chest.

"Wonderful! We shall make preparations for a ball to celebrate this wondrous occasion!" Mirana exclaimed as she made her way out the door. McTwisp followed suit, leaving the trio in the room of doors. Alice smiled up at Ronald and held up her wrist to show her bracelet.

"I sure hope we can find space on it Ron! I'm certain we will have more adventures from here!" she giggled. Tarrant came up behind them and gave Ron a nod.

"Tarrant Hightop, Royal Hatter to the White Queen of Underland" he said extending his hand out.

"Lord Ronald Phillip Scott… well, I guess… just Ronald Scott" Ron answered shaking The Hatter's hand. Alice smiled brightly as the two most important people in her life officially meet.

"Do take care of her Tarrant, or I might be forced to finish that duel with you" Ron chuckled as he warned the Hatter. "I'm going to be keeping an eye on you too My Silly Girl" he said as he placed a small kiss on Alice's hand.

"Let's be off to the Palace then! I have a lot of questions about your escapades My Alice!" Tarrant said excitedly holding his arm out for her. Alice blushed as she slipped her hand in the crook of Tarrant's elbow.

"Like what Tarrant?" She asked coyly while making their way out of the bigger door that Mirana has left open.

"Hmm, let's see… I've been wondering about your little Rum Party with Lord Scott here?" he said raising an eyebrow at the pair. Ron laughed heartily as he pats Tarrant on the back.

"I'll make sure Alice tells you of all her mischief!" he said as he stepped around them out of the door to meet Mirana and McTwisp on the other side. He looked around stunned at his surroundings for a moment before taking a deep breath.

"I know you'll fit in here rather well, Lord Scott" Mirana smiled as he took in the sight of the new world. Ronald smiled at Mirana and bowed taking her hand.

"I hope so, your Majesty" he said as he kissed her hand. Mirana nodded her head at the gentleman and took his arm as they walked the path, giving him quick little bits of information about Underland. Ron smiled to himself as he listened to The Queen talk about the trees and flowers. 'This is going to be a fun new adventure" he thought to himself as he turned back slightly to see Alice and The Hatter walking arm in arm.

"How did you know about that night Hatter? Did Absolem tell you about it?" Alice asked curiously.

"Umm well… Alice, we… we have a bit of a confession to make."Tarrant whispered. He slowly releases her hand form his arm and cautiously takes it in his hand, slowly intertwining their fingers together. "But we'll have more time for that later" he said as they walked hand in hand through the woods.

"Yes, Tarrant. We'll have all the time in the world" Alice said happily before kissing him lightly on the cheek.

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