11. Her Heart: Going Round
She was going to kill that damned knight. Grasp his throat between her fingers and yank that grinning head off with a pop loud enough for all of Wonderland to hear. Claw at that pearly smile he flashed around like a womanizer; take him down to the very depths of hell.
Damn him, alright. Damn him straight to hell!
"Crap." Alice huffed worriedly, frowning as she pushed away another cherry blossom branch; turquoise eyes scanning the forest uneasily. It was all the same. Everywhere she looked, springtime had surrounded her. Every branch- every tree, every blossom, ever step- was similar.
He'd gotten her lost.
"Ace, you idiot." the maiden moaned grumpily, trying to cover up her torn gown to the best of her ability as she stumbled blindly through the woods. "You just had to harass me, didn't you? Now I've lost time, and I can't find my way out of here!"
Alice paused in her steps, blinking in realization. "…And I'm talking to myself. Can this day get any worse?"
"WAH! DON'T EAT ME, CHU~!" a loud battle cry squealed throughout the woods, and Alice slowly- not to mention regretfully- turned around, bracing herself. She knew that sound anywhere…
As if on cue, a flash of green, red, and yellow burst in front of her; the brown-eared mouse's emerald orb wide and horrified as he raced ahead, straight towards the foreigner. His hands were spread widely in front of him; his little legs pacing as fast as he could from the supposed demon chasing after him.
"Gah!" Alice let out a small squeak as the teenaged boy toppled clumsily onto the outsider; his head landing on top of her chest as they fell onto the moist soil beneath.
"Ow…" the foreigner rubbed the back of her head tiredly, trying to sit back up and comprehend what just happened. It took her a few moments to realize there was a boy laying on top of her. Eyes wide and a blush painting across her cheeks, Alice pushed at Pierce's head, trying to force him off. "P-Pierce! Get off of me!"
"Wh-wha-? A-Alice-chan!" the redhead boy squeaked, blinking his wide eye in confusion at the girl. "I-I'm sorry, chu!"
"Pierce, please! Just get… off…" Alice's voice trailed off as she stared at the boy, analyzing his expression. He stared at her, as if anticipating for her to finish her sentence. She could feel that pain again; the jabbing of invisible knives at her soul. No. Not again. Not here, not now!
"Alice-chan?" Pierce asked timidly, staring down at her face; admiring it.
Slowly, Alice- no, not Alice, but this force- brushed her fingertips across the boy's cheek, pulling his lips down to hers. Pierce's eye widened in shock at the small brush of their lips, but Alice managed to pull herself back before anything went too far.
"I-I'm sorry!" the maiden cried, quickly pushing the boy off and rising to her feet; straightening out her gown to the best of her advantage. It didn't even resemble a gown anymore; more like silky rags.
"Alice…" Pierce rose up as well, tilting his head to the side as he watched Alice thoughtfully; a tingling feeling left where she'd pecked him just ever so gently.
Alice coughed uncomfortably, feeling queasy under his gaze. "Erm, where's Boris? He was chasing you, wasn't he?"
At the mention of the stray animal, Pierce squeaked loudly; diving behind Alice and using her as a shield. Alice sighed, frowning at the boy.
"S-scary cat! Scary cat!" the boy cried, resembling a small child. Alice sighed, patting his head gently, hoping to comfort him and stop his senseless tears.
"Where did you last see him?" she asked, hoping perhaps Boris could help her find a way back. She must have been by the Amusement Park, and with as many times as Boris had snuck to Heart Castle, she was sure he could find her a way out.
Pierce tapped his chin thoughtfully, sighing in relief at his answer. "By the tower."
"And where are we now?" Alice rose an eyebrow, frowning.
"The amusement park." Pierce answered simply, smiling gleefully at his answer. Alice groaned, planting her palm against her face in annoyance.
"Fine. Can you take me to the park at least? If Boris is there, I want him to help me get to the castle." the foreigner said. Pierce frowned; his eye watery.
"But what if he tries to eat me! Don't let him eat me, Alice-chan, chu!" the mouse weeped. Alice groaned, huffing in irritation.
"He won't eat you, I promise. Now please, to the amusement park?" Alice pleaded, frowning up at Pierce. His emerald eye blinked in confusion, and he thought for a moment before grinning widely like a child- spinning around so he was in front of her now.
"I'll take Alice to the amusement park… if she gives me another kiss!" the redhead reasoned happily, clapping his hands together at the idea. Alice blushed wildly, taking an unsteady step backwards.
"Wh-What? ! N-No, Pierce!" the brunette reasoned, waving her hands rapidly in front of her.
"But Alice…" Pierce's ears flattened against his glistening locks; his grass pigmented eye wide and watery, as if he'd burst into rejected tears right then. His expression was so helpless… It pulled at her heartstrings.
Damn those foreign heartstrings.
"Oh… Fine! One kiss, and that's it, understand?" the foreigner reasoned, not even bothering to control the pink stain across her cheeks. Pierce smiled gleefully as she reached up on her tiptoes; planting a small peck on his cheek before turning away.
"Yay! Thank you, Alice-chan!" Pierce sang happily, hugging the girl from behind. Alice roughly brushed him off.
"Okay, okay! Now please take me to the park!" Alice waved him off, and Pierce nodded eagerly; taking Alice's hand in his as he guided her away.
The Amusement Park was a monstrosity all on its own; it didn't even need the rides to look utterly horrendous to the foreigner, though those coasters certainly didn't help itself. How Gowland ever came up with these deathtraps was far beyond her.
Alice stared up at the distant attractions beyond the entrance gates to which she and Pierce stood; the yellow metal rattling noisily, the air filled with the scent of funnel cakes and sounds of flailing screams…
It was more frightening than Black Joker's prison.
"Come on, Alice-chan! We can ride, chu!" Pierce sang happily, tugging her towards the entrance gates, but the foreigner stubbornly shook her head, pulling her arm away.
"Not today, Pierce." she tried to put him down gently, shaking her head. "I have to get going."
"But why?" Pierce whined. Alice huffed, rubbing her temples; an oncoming headache threatening to arise.
"Because I'm busy today. Nevermind waiting for Boris- I think I can get to the castle myself. Thanks for your help, Pierce." the foreigner tried to reason with a quick goodbye, preparing to leave, when something caught her arm. Sighing, she said, "Pierce, I-"
"Hey, lookie here! Why didn't you say the little miss was coming over today?" Alice blinked in confusion up at Gowland; his bright, golden-rayed jacket giving him away. How he could wear such material in the summer was incomprehensible to her- but then again, it was Spring now, wasn't it? Perhaps it wasn't all that strange… for now.
"Um, hi, Gowland." Alice said uncertainly, waving lightly to the grinning elder man at her side. "What are you doing here?"
"I own the place, don't I? Shouldn't I be here?" Gowland joked lightly. Alice blushed lightly, feeling stupid.
"Yes, I suppose. Sorry, my mind's not in the right place today." the brunette apologized, running one hand through her hair uncomfortably.
"Hmm…" Gowland glanced at Pierce, snickering. "I can see- you're on a date with the kid! I was sure you'd go for the tomcat…" He self-claimed musician sighed, almost in annoyance. "'Guess I lost the bet…"
"N-No! No date!" Alice quickly objected, waving her hands wildly in front of her in rejection- hoping that Pierce didn't get his hopes up too high. "I'm not dating anyone. Ever. I was just leaving for Heart Castle, actually…"
"In that?" Gowland rose an eyebrow, tilting his head at the gown. He scratched his facial hair awkwardly. "I may not be with the styles kids wear these days, but that dress looks pretty messed up…"
"Um, yeah. It's a long story actually…" Alice replied, her blush deepening uncomfortably.
"No problem! We'll get you fixed right up for whatever Valentine you have today!" Gowland assured her, swinging an arm over the girl. Pierce watched in curiosity from the side, too afraid to speak up. Alice blinked in confusion, shocked to find several workers of the park now in front of her.
"Wha-? !" Alice cried in confusion, suddenly lifted up by the crowd and carried to whatever doom Gowland had in store.
The dress was certainly something that belonged in the amusement park…
And only the amusement park.
Alice was certain she'd never seen so much yellow in her life. The gown was the shade of a banana, with puffed sleeves at the top and a puffy gown that stretched to her knees. White music notes were spread across the front, along with a few horses from the Merry-Go-Round. Light blue rimmed the edges, and matching flats shined on her feet overtop white and yellow striped socks. Even her usual bow had been replaced with a yellow monstrosity.
It was horrifying.
"You look cute, sweetpea!" Gowland complimented with a wide, toothy grin as the girl stepped out of Gowland's bathroom and into his bedroom; trying her best to keep a smile on her face. She'd hate to offend the man that was kind enough to get her out of that horribly revealing nightdress.
"Thanks." the brunette said politely, secretly wondering if she'd have time to stop back at Clover Tower to pick up her usual gown. She'd hate to be caught dead in this.
"Do you like it?" the duke asked. Alice mentally groaned, physically keeping up the false grin to please him
"It's certainly… different. I like the shoes." Alice searched for a compliment, sticking with the only normal piece of this outfit. Gowland smiled nonetheless, nodding.
"You can keep it." he assured her, waving it off. Alice smiled uncomfortably. Joy.
"Erm, thank you." Alice said once again, attempting to view all angles of the gown. She'd die a laughing stock if anyone else saw her in this. Especially the Jokers…
Oh crap! The Jokers! Alice thought inwardly, quickly panicking. Ace said they wanted her! Oh crap, crap, crap! She'd have an earful if she didn't get there now! "Thank you for the gown, Gowland, but I really must be going." Alice said unsurely, searching for the exit. It was hard to see anything behind the unusually large piles of instruments surrounding the room. He didn't even know how to play them.
"What's the rush, sweetpea? Something buggin' ya?" Gowland asked curiously, watching the girl fumble around in circles, searching for the door.
"S-sort of. I have to leave now. Goodbye!" Alice tried to escape when she spotted the door, but Gowland's arm swung around her shoulders, pulling her back.
"Stay a while! Relax, have fun! That's what the park's here for, aint it?" The musician said heartily, smiling widely. Alice frowned, biting her lip.
"I don't…" Alice trailed off. She could feel it. Underneath her skin, tugging at her- pushing at her. Her body growing numb, but her soul in pain; the anxiety practically unbearable.
"Atta girl! Come hang out for a while- I'll get ya some wine!" Gowland offered, unaware of the mental battle occurring in the foreigner's head. The man gently led the maiden to the bed, setting her down before preparing to leave and get her a drink.
"Gowland." Alice's tone was low, quiet. She gripped the cuff of the man's jacket, tugging him back.
No!
"Hmm? Something the matter?" Sky blue eyes locked with a teal pair; his confused orbs watching the girl's hollow expression, unsure. "You feeling sick, hon?"
Stop it!
Alice reached up on her tiptoes, surprising the musician as she pulled him down; her lips pressing against his.
Knock it off!
"A-Alice? !" Gowland broke the kiss, his expression wide-eyed and confused at the girl's sudden assault. The foreigner frowned, pulling him down again to kiss him. The amusement park owner remained still under her touch, unable to wrap his head around the situation.
Please stop!
The force inside Alice noticed this and frowned in frustration, pulling back for a brief moment. Alice had thought it would just leave, but no, this force got whatever it wanted.
Alice stood up, and with a swift movement, pushed the duke onto the bed. Gowland blinked in confusion, even more so shocked when the foreigner crawled overtop; a lustful look in her eye.
"Play me a song." she whispered huskily, pressing her lips against his once again; briefly, giving him a chance to answer.
Stop it! Please!
"A song?" Gowland felt confused by the words. Alice huffed stubbornly, her hands pushing onto his shoulders roughly; her lips trailing across his neck before back onto his; her tongue prodding against his lips, trying to force them open.
It took him a while, but finally the duke began to respond; opening his mouth, allowing her to explore inside. Her tongue intertwined with his before exploring inside his mouth; his own tongue repeating the same. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer against his chest.
Stop! Please, just- …Are those footsteps?
Panic settled in as steady footsteps sounded outside, but the lustful force didn't care; she was too wrapped up in the willing participant below her on the bed.
Stop it! Those are footsteps! Wh-What if they find you? ! What if they find me? ! Alice cried inwardly, flailing about in horror. She could've sworn she heard the force talk back to her, but it was too low for her to understand.
"Hey old man!" Oh sh*t. She knew that voice.
Don't come in here! Please don't come in here! Alice's soul was on the verge of invisible tears now, praying this moment wouldn't come.
Click! The door. It was unlocked. Its knob turning; a mass of pink stepping in.
"Did you see- OH MY GOD WHAT THE HELL? !" Boris stumbled backwards against Gowland's door; pure fear on his expression at the sight of Alice and Gowland going at it.
Both heads whipped up to face the cat in embarrassment; Alice finally back in her body with cheeks stained in a deep enough red to put Ace's jacket to shame. Gowland glared bitterly at the stray.
"Boris! Learn to knock!" the old man snapped, frustrated. Alice quickly pushed herself off of the duke, shaking as she scurried to the door.
"WHAT THE HELL'S GOING ON? !" Boris cried, his hands clawing at his eyes helplessly. "MY EYES! IT BURNS!"
"S-Sorry! I have to go!" Alice squeaked, already bursting out of the door and soon enough, out of the amusement park.
It would be a long time before she went back there.
Her legs continued to pump across the Country of Clover, but where she was going, she was unsure. All she knew was that she needed to get away from the Amusement Park, and fast.
Something strong came in contact with the girl, sending her falling over.
"Ow… Oh, I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" Alice tried to apologize, her eyes blurry as she tried to make out the other figure that had fallen.
"F*** no! I'm f****** pissed!"
"Black?" Alice tilted her head in confusion, finally taking in the form of the prison guard- in his twin's body, of course- across from her; rubbing his ruby locks in frustration.
"Who the f*** else would it be, you f****** ingrate?" the warden snapped, but Alice sighed in relief nonetheless.
The darker Joker blinked in confusion as the brunette dove at him; her arms constricting tightly around his waist in a hug. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you!"
"Are you f****** pregnant already? You have more f****** moodswings than when you're f****** on your damned period!" the warden snapped, and the brunette blushed, quickly pulling herself away.
"S-sorry! I've had a long day…" Alice apologized, looking away uncomfortably. What had come over her? Why'd she bother to hug him- or even admit she was glad to see him? Hmph. With all that went on today, maybe she was going off the deep end.
"Tch. I see. What the f*** are you wearing?" the prison guard hissed, wrinkling his nose in disgust at the brightly colored gown Alice fashioned. The foreigner's eyes widened, recalling the gown she'd been reduced to wear.
"I-It wasn't my choice! Gowland insisted." the foreigner explained, her blush deepening; recalling earlier events. Joker's eye narrowed.
"Tch. As if I give a sh*t." the warden stood up, flickering a glance of annoyance at the jingling noise his hat gave away before nodding for the girl to stand. "We're going to the prison first. There's no f****** way I'm being seen with you in that."
Alice looked away nervously, nodding once obediently. No need to piss him off more than he already was. "Sure."
"Let's get moving." the Joker muttered, taking the girl's wrist gingerly; pulling her towards the circus.
…Words cannot describe how hard the Gowland x Alice moment was to write. I hardly know Gowland's character- I see him like an Uncle to Alice D8- and writing his make-out scene was like ";A;…" I had to listen to "Blah Blah Blah" by Ke$ha until I got a good feel of writing it. ._.
I hope this chapter scarred you all a good deal. XD This is probably the most hardcore Gowland x Alice stuff I'll ever write. |||OTL… I wanted to get it more detailed and stuff, but I couldn't. DX It just wouldn't let me. ;~;
Aww. Small Black x Alice moment. ^w^ He must be still pissed about Ace's rendezvous with Alice. Hurr…. Blackie 'ol chap, just wait to you find out what went down with her and Gowland. XD Either you'll die of laughter or want to burn your mind from the image.