A/N: I don't own Alice in Wonderland! I own Kida and anything you don't recognize! That is all!

Well, other than my perpetual gratitude to my amazing beta Azzie! Thanks for putting up with my sporadic spurts of writing! :)

Chapter Ten: Reassurances:

Kida tossed and turned as the moon rose high, but still couldn't sleep. She finally gave up and sneaked out the window, dropping lightly to the ground below. She bounded swiftly into the gardens before anyone could spot her and run to tell Mirana. The queen meant well, and Kida knew that, but inside she was still a rebellious young woman, not much more than a teenager, really.

All they see is a goddess. Even Tarrant. They don't see me. She thought morosely, kicking a pebble along the garden path with a noticably sour aura surrounding her.

"Kida?" Came a soft voice from nearby. Kida froze, then relaxed as she recognized the voice.

"I won't tell if you don't." she teased, remembering all the times they used to catch each other breaking the rules when they were little.

"Of course." Tarrant replied, stepping out from the path beside hers with a smile. "Isn't that how the game always goes?" Kida winced. Normally she would end up upset with Tarrant later and tell on him anyway.

"I was young then." she murmured, embarrassed.

"And you're not now?" Tarrant replied, an amused smirk curling his lips. Kida blinked, realizing she'd been entranced, just staring at him. She quickly looked away to the flowers surrounding them.

"Younger then. Happy now?" she retorted sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

"No." he whispered, grief suddenly overtaking him. Kida turned to face him, quirking an eyebrow curiously.

"Why not?" she inquired as she found a bench to perch on while he explained. He didn't seem interested in walking anywhere anymore.

Tarrant was silent for a few minutes until Kida narrowed her eyes. "Don't make me force it out of you." Tarrant sighed at that, but spoke.

"You're so far away now." he whispered. Kida's heart sank. This was what she had been afraid of.

"No I'm not. I'm right here." she reminded him, jumping down and bouncing lightly over to him before she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest. Kida took a deep breath, reveling in his scent. She'd missed him so much.

"I know, but..." Tarrant began, but Kida pulled back and covered his mouth.

"I'm still me." she informed him, her blue gaze deadly serious. "I still remember and cherish the time we spent together. I still-" her voice broke. This was risking everything she'd ever wanted, and yet she had to know. If he felt the same fluttering of his heart whenever she was near, if he ever thought about them being more...together. "I still love you." she whispered at last, hiding her face in his chest once more. Please be honest. But please don't leave me.

Tarrant froze, but Kida could feel his heart beat pounding against her ear. He hesitantly reached up to stroke her hair, then wrapped his arms tightly around her. "Oh, Kida." he whispered. "You have no idea how much I've wanted to hear that from you. Ever since you left." They held each other tightly for some time, before he kissed her hair, letting her go reluctantly as voices started calling his name. "They've noticed." Tarrant grinned.

"Don't get me caught." Kida teased, shoving him gently backwards, towards the searchers.

"Then you'd best hurry up and get out of here, love." he replied with a smirk. Kida smiled back, a soft glow surrounding her, making her look like a second moon in human form. Tarrant caught his breath, wishing he could freeze the moment in time and keep it forever.

How much more time do we have?