Hello my dear readers! Sorry it took me so long to upload. I was busy with work. Christmas and new years eve. Stress and oh boy, I was so tired the whole week. But I finally finished chapter 6! YAY! And thank you so much for all the kind reviews! They keep me so motivated! Thank you so much! I hope you'll like this chapter as much as the others :) ENJOY!
That night, Alice had been sleeping better than she had in months. The memories of the last night made the young blonde smile so wide, that when she looked at herself in the mirror, she had to think of the Cheshire cat instantly. After she and the hatter had made up, he had brought her back to her room. They had said good night and goodbye and separated. Something was so new and different and yet it felt so familiar and right. Alice, again, was excited and she didn't know why. It was just a normal day she would spend with the hatter. Alone. Nervously the blonde walked up to the wardrobe and picked up the dress she decided to wear. Even though white was the main color of Miranas dresses, she luckily had a few more dresses in different colors. The white queen knew Alice favorite color was blue, so she'd put all the dresses into the young blondes wardrobe that were either blue or different colored. This time, Alice choose a long lace dress with short sleeves and a light blue bow around the waist. The color of the dress was a very faded yellow. So bright in fact, it almost seemed white again. Twirling her bangs, she pinned them away from her face and let the rest of her curls fall loose. Taking a deep shaky breath, the blonde looked at herself in the mirror again. Turning a few times and checking if everything sat right. Alice didn't quite know where the hatter was about to take her, but since it was a bright, warm day of spring, she got the idea to take a pick nick basket along. Earlier this morning, she had been in the kitchen to ask the cooks to pack some food for two. Her friends seemed awfully mysterious to her. They weren't good at acting, so Alice didn't take a second guess to understand that they tried to act as if the didn't know anything. It didn't bother her though. It was cute of them, so she thought. And even though Alice didn't know what to expect, she tried her best to act normal herself. It had become remarkably difficult to not get nervous. With a last glance to her reflection, she breathed in, lifted her head, dusted herself off and walked out of her room. It'll be fine, she told herself. It was just the hatter after all. Her hatter. Nothing to be scared of.
Meanwhile, Tarrant sat at the balcony of the room Mirana had given him. It was the same room he always got when he stayed over at Mamoreal. The balcony wasn't as big as all the others, but big enough to fit a little table and a few chairs. He, after all, started his day always with a good cup of tea. Sipping at the warm liquid, he let his mind wander. He already knew, where he wanted to take Alice. His stomach felt funny at the thought to spend the day with her. Alone. He never got to spent a day with Alice all alone and now that he got the chance it filled him with happiness. A smile spread across his lips, as he remembered her face, when she agreed to it. Even though he understood to hide his emotions when he was on his own. ,,Is this your way of getting ready"? A familiar, lazy voice suddenly purred into his ear. A bit startled at the unexpected sound he flinched. ,,Good morning to you too fur-ball" Tarrant then muttered as he continued to sip his tea, acting unimpressed. ,,Well, congratulations for you first date then, I guess" the teal striped tom continued, grinning, as he floated in front of the hatter. Hearing that, Tarrant spit out the tea he just sipped in. Chessur, amused, turned upside down, blinking. ,,Excuse me"? Tarrant turned his head to the floating cat ,,My what"? Chessur grinned even wider ,,Your date. With. Alice" he repeated, teasing his friend even more. Tarrant furrowed his brows ,,It's not a date". ,,What else is it then"? Chessur flicked his tail ,,You're spending the day with her alone. You call that a date". Tarrant averted his gaze from the cheshire cat and looked at the spilled drops of tea ,,Now, look what you did, you spilled my tea". ,,I certainly did" Chessur purred amused. As Tarrant turned his head, fluttered, the teal striped tom started chuckling. Knowing his friend got the pun. ,,You..."! Frustated, Tarrant slashed his hand to grab his friend but he dissolved before he could even touch his fur. Grinning mischievously, Chessur appeared at the other side of the balcony again. ,,We're just going on a trip together, amicably you see"? Tarrant tried to sound convincing as he grinned back at Chessur. The teal striped cat lowered his grin a bit as he flew back closer to his childhood friend, now a bit more serious. ,,Why are you so out to suppress your own feelings Tarrant"? He asked and the hatter lowered his gaze. Was he? Was he suppressing his feelings? And if he was, why was he? Tarrant shook his head to get rid of his thoughts. ,,I don't know Chess.." he then answered but wasn't satisfied with it. ,,Look Tarrant, I've known you since I was a little kitten. We've been friends for more than twenty eight years. I ought to know you good enough by now" Chessur explained. ,,If you still don't want to talk to me about it, that's fine but let me at least give you a good advice. As a friend". Tarrant lifted his gaze back to Chessur. ,,I'm scared Chess, what if she's not feeling the way I do". Chessur blinked. Surprised that Tarrant decided to tell him after all. ,,Well don't worry about that" he crossed his arms ,,You'll find that out". ,,You mentioned an advice"? Tarrant reminded the tom. ,,Yes. Just be yourself. Don't act insincere. Tell her what you feel". ,,Chessur"! Tarrant frowned ,,Since when do you know so much about that kind of things". ,,I got my sources" the striped cat countered ,,Anyhow, you should be going. It won't make a good picture, if you'd let her wait". ,,Ooup, you're right"! Tarrant placed his cup back on the table, stood up and hurried inside. Quickly he looked at his pocket watch. Twenty minutes left, he found. ,,Need to hurry now"! he muttered to himself. ,,Good luck"! Chessur purred, before he vanished to leave the hatter alone.
Now it was the hatters turn to decide what to wear. He only had his white shirt and pair of dark brown pants on. Opening the wardrobe, he looked at some of his suits he brought along yesterday. There was his brown one. ,,No" Tarrant murmured to the coat, as if it could understand ,,Wear you way to often" he told the coat and went to the next. His blue one. ,,Neat, but I wore you yesterday, so it's a no". He continued to take out a silky green one. For a moment he paused, as memories hit him. ,,Oh.." he made ,,Haven't worn you in ages". It was the coat he'd worn at Iracabeths coronation. ,,Bad memories though, bad memories, so, no". When he spotted a silky purple one, his face fell and he didn't even take it out. ,,Certainly not"! He grumbled. It was the suit he wore at the horovendoush day. Now that he knew, that Alice knew about that day, he wouldn't wear it today. Sighing, he dropped his shoulders. 15 minutes left. ,,Argh" he yelped and looked through his coats even faster. Finally he found a dark russet colored one and a light beige west coat. ,,That's the one"!Tarrant beamed proudly. ,,Oh, bow tie, bow ties" he continued to ramble as he twirled around and rummaged in one of his suitcases. Tarrant in fact, had so much bow ties and ribbons, you could cover a king size bed with them. Single colored ones, spotted ones, green ones with a pattern, red ones with a pattern, dots, stripes, whorls, flowers, feathers. Basically all kinds of colors and patterns you could imagine. Finally he decided to pick up a dark red one with a small colorful but subtle pattern. Looking into the mirror, he examined his appearance. It was definitely more subtle than usual but still like him. The thread bandolier was missing and the bundle of ribbons as well. Tarrant also put down his thimbles and the pincushion ring. He wasn't working today at all, so he wouldn't need them. Besides, he didn't want them to bother Alice if she would hold his hand. Wait. Hold that thought. Tarrant shook his head. Why was he even assuming that? He just did without even thinking. ,,Oh, the time"! Hastening he put on his hat and scudded outside. In front of the palace he stopped and looked around. His heart was hammering in his chest. Nervously he gave his watch another glance. Ten before eleven am. He was punctual, after all. A bit early even. Alice wasn't there. Letting out a relived sigh, he straightened himself. Waiting was even worse than he'd imagined. He could see Chessurs grinning face in his inner eyes and it didn't help one bit. What if Alice changed her mind and didn't want to spent the day with him? What if he'd mess up? Thoughts of panic started to cloud his mind and he started to feel uneasy.
,,Hatter"! The sound of that melodious voice that he used to love so much, shook him out of his panicking thoughts and he turned. His mouth opened a bit in awe at the sight of the beautiful creature that was walking up to him. Smiling wide, eyes gleaming, blond curls bouncing with each step. ,,Alice"! he murmured quickly and almost surprised as she suddenly arrived in front of him. The blonde girl still grinned at him but then she closed her lips into a wide smile. ,,Good Morning"! she aspirated happily. ,,Good morning"! he answered, still a bit taken of from the sight of Alice. ,,What"? Alice snickered after a while ,,Are you alright"? ,,Yes, yes I'm fine" he snapped out of his trance and smiled at her ,,You just look very pretty". Blushing lightly Alice pressed her lips together. She too had examined her friend in front of her. ,,You're looking handsome as well...uh" the blushing intensified as she realized her words. ,,Thank you" he responded, feeling the tingle return to his stomach. His eyes fell on the basket Alice was carrying. ,,What's the basket for"? He asked her to loose the tension. Alice turned to look at it and then back to the hatter. ,,Oh, the basket, right. I though if we're taking a trip somewhere, we could pick nick somewhere and eat. I mean, if we're on the go all day long, we won't be able to eat at the palace so I asked the cooks to make some foods for us". Tarrant grinned at her ,,Very thoughtful! Why didn't I get that idea"? He tilted his head as he spoke more to himself. Alice laughed lightly ,,It's just me being organized sometimes. So, where are we going"? She asked him curiously. ,,That, my dear Alice, is a surprise" he assured her. ,,Oh is it now? Too bad, I'm a curious person" she chuckled. ,,I could tell you" Tarrant continued to grin at her ,,But if I did, it would ruin the surprise". ,,I got that" the blonde smiled ,,don't tell me then". Together the walked away from the palace, through the blooming cherry blossom trees out into a wide field. ,,Tarrant"? Alice asked after a while of walking ,,Are these trees always blooming"? Tarrant turned his head to look at Alice. He still felt overwhelmed joyful at the fact, that she was calling him by his actual name. ,,They bloom longer than regular cherry blossom trees" he explained ,,They are a special kind. Mirana lets her maiden talk to them so they bloom more beautifully". ,,I've heard that if you talk to plants, they grow better" Alice replied ,,It's so different here. There are so many things I don't know about Underland". ,,I can tell you as much about it as you want" Tarrant beamed. ,,Oh that would be wonderful" Alice cheered. ,,Have you traveled before"? She started to ask him. Tarrant thought for a moment ,,Not really. When I was a child, we didn't go far away from our home town. Though we did some trips to the ocean now and then". ,,You've got an ocean here"? Alice eyes widened. ,,Why yes of course" Tarrant looked at her ,,You might have seen it even". Alice remembered. ,,Yeah, you're right. Only didn't I pay attention to it back then". ,,We can go there some day if you'd like" he suggested. ,,Please"! Alice beamed ,,I love the sea. I've traveled all around the world back at home. I used to be a captain". Tarrants eyes went big at the new information. ,,This is incredible"! Alice smiled ,,Thank you, but after all those years being apart from you guys, even sailing became dull and lonely for me". ,,I am sorry you had to go through all that Alice" he stopped and reached for her hands. ,,No" Alice responded ,,You don't have to be sorry. I was stupid to not come back earlier. I really thought that I wasn't able to come back. It was...horrible...a nightmare" she lowered her gaze. Alice blinked in surprise, as she suddenly felt to strong arms wrap around her. ,,I know how you must have been feeling" he whispered, his voice lower than a few moments ago. ,,It was as terrible for as well". ,,I'm sorry" she mumbled into his chest. It felt wonderful to be in his arms. Alice felt save. Closing her eyes, she savored his warmth and soaked in his sent. Why didn't she realize before how good it felt to be hugged by him? It made her forget about everything. It was soothing and calming and it gave her the feeling like nothing could harm her.
At that moment, they didn't really have to talk much more. It was good to just comfort each other. Alice knew, that there must have been much more darker things, that the hatter must have gone through while she wasn't there but she wouldn't ask him now. All she wanted, was to enjoy the day. There was way enough sad things from the past. Finally they separated again. ,,Thank you" she smiled up to him and he returned it. ,,Come" he offered her his arm, and she took it. As they walked, Alice enjoyed the view. As the sun climbed higher, it got warmer as well. Soon they found themselves in a huge meadow with flowers everywhere. Some huge trees stood tall here and there and offered shadowy places. ,,Let's rest here for a while" Alice suggested and Tarrant nodded. ,,Let's settle under that tree there"! He pointed to an huge maple tree. ,,Let me help you" Tarrant hurried at Alice side and helped her unfold the large blanket. ,,I haven't done that in years" she chuckled. ,,A trip"? He asked her. ,,No, a pick nick" Alice smiled ,,Let's see what we've got here". Carefully the blonde took out some sandwiches some fruits, cookies, some petite fours, water and some orange juice. ,,Wow, did you tell them to pack so much"? Tarrant marveled at the food. ,,I uh, I just told them to pack some food for two. Typical Mirana, better enough than to little" Alice shrugged her shoulders. ,, Bon appetit then". ,,Bon appe what"? Tarrant lisped and Alice bursted out into laughter. ,,Bon appetit! It is french and means, good appetite" Alice explained. ,,Oh, thank you" he grinned at her. ,,You're welcome" she chuckled and reached for one of the petite fours. ,,How cute" she raved and put it up to her mouth. Right when she wanted to take a bite, she stopped. ,,Wait.." she eyed the cake suspiciously. Confused, Tarrant as well stopped himself from biting into an apple and turned his head to the blonde. ,,What's wrong Alice"? He asked her while she frowned at the pastry ,,This won't make me grow will it"? Tarrant suddenly grunted and lifted his hand to his mouth to hide his laughter. ,,What"? Alice started to laugh along ,,That's not funny"! On that, Tarrant lost it and started laughing. Not even a second later, Alice started joining him. ,,I'm serious"! But it didn't help. Both couldn't stop laughing. After a while, they slowed their laughter and wiped their tears away. ,,Oh dear" Alice sighed, still chuckling. ,,I really meant it" she repeated as she looked at him. ,,I know you did" he snickered. ,,So what now"? She asked. ,,Maybe you should just try it and we'll see". ,,Oh, don't be silly" she pushed his arm jokingly. ,,I can't help it" he chuckled. ,,You try it for me"! she held the cake to his lips. ,,It won't affect me"! he stated ,,You try"! ,,No"! Alice yelped laughing as she tried to push his hands away while holing wrists. ,,Here comes your first bite"! he teased. ,,No, stop it"! Alice kept on pushing even though he was clearly stronger. ,,Eat it yourself"! ,,Open up"! He lifted the cake closer to her mouth while both wrangled their arms jokingly. ,,Hatter stop"! He didn't. ,,Tarrant! I warn you" and he pushed the cake further. Alice turned her head and it smashed against her cheek. ,,Oh, just you wait.."! She gasped and pushed back. Losing her balance in the process, her weight titled forward. Tarrant as well lost his balance and both fell backwards on the ground. Alice on top of him. ,,Ough" Alice huffed out in surprise as she hit the hatters chest. For the moment, both looked at each other in shock and surprise. Inches close. Their noses almost touching. Blood rushing up her head, Alice scuttled from the hatter and brought some space between them. Both cleared their throats. ,,Uhm.." Alice stoked her curls to get rid of her nervousness. Her heart was pounding up to her neck and her cheeks and ears felt hot. ,,It's no upelkuchen" Tarrant finally admitted, a small smile still on his lips as he placed the cake on one of the plates. ,,Sorry for the teasing" he apologized ,,I just had to". Alice smirked at him. ,,It's fine. It was funny". Tarrant widened his smile into an open one. ,,Oh.." he stopped, as he realized the icing on Alice cheek. ,,Hold on". Quickly he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and reached out to wipe the sugar away. Still blushed, Alice let him. ,,You ok"? He asked her, as he found her cheeks red. ,,What? Uh yes" Alice stuttered ,,I'm just a bit heated up from the laughing...". And she was, but that wasn't the main reason she was blushing so bad. ,,It's save to eat then"? She rose an eyebrow. ,,Yes" he grinned. ,,How're you sure"? She asked. ,,Miranas maiden wouldn't put it along regular food. It's a special treat with a special effect. You don't use upelkuchen for regular events" he explained, still amused. ,,You really got me on that" Alice chuckled ,,I absolutely fell for it". ,,That's why I did it" he wiggled his eyebrows, grinning. ,,Bufoon" Alice chuckled as he pushed his arm again. Both started to eat. After they finished, Tarrant leaned his back on the tree, while Alice laid herself down on the blanket. Taking a deep breath Alice looked up into the large branches and the many young, light green leaves. A sudden buzzing noise made her look up. It was that little dragon looking insect. ,,Oh"! she made and lifted herself up to take a quick look on the animal before it flew away. ,,Tarrant look, quick"! Hastily the hatter turned his head to the blonde. ,,Look"! Alice pointed to the little creature. ,,What is that"? ,,That"? Tarrant turned his attention to the dragon looking insect and held his hand out so it could land on his palm. ,,It's a Snap-Dragonfly" he explained ,,Here"! carefully he turned and held his hand out to Alice, so she could examine the Dragonfly. ,,Wow" she raved ,,Hey little buddy". Tarrant smiled. He adored how fascinated Alice was with everything in Underland. ,,Can I hold it"? She asked. ,,You can try, if it won't fly off". Carefully he tilted his hand a bit, so the Dragonfly could crawl on Alice Hand. ,,Amazing"! she aspirated ,,I've seen one six years ago, when I entered Underland. There was also another one that looked like a rocking horse. It was fighting with a Dragonfly". ,,They're, in fact, called rocking-horseflys" Tarrant explained. ,,Makes sense" Alice replied and the dragonfly flew off. ,,Are there more like these"? She asked. ,,Way more" the hatter grinned. ,,Let's continue. The place I want to take you isn't far away anymore" Tarrant said as he stood and helped Alice put the plates and the rest of the food back into the basket.
They were walking a while until Alice rose her voice again. She remembered all the things she wanted to tell the hatter. Now, that she finally got enough time to do so. ,,Hatter.." she called softly ,,I never told you why I had to go back home back then". A bit taken off guard, Tarrant looked at her ,,No you didn't. But it was because of your family wasn't it"? Alice tilted her lips. ,,Mostly but there were other things. Remember when I told you, that I needed to give some answers"? He nodded. ,,See, I was set to marry a lord. I didn't knew about it and I certainly didn't wanted to". ,,You were about to marry"? Tarrant blurted out, his face shocked. ,,No"! Alice yelped ,,They wanted me to but I didn't. Besides, he was awful. Not to mention his mother. His father was a good friend of mine and as my father passed, his company went to Hamish's father". ,,Who's Hamish"? Tarrant asked her bewildered, a hint of jealousy in his tone. ,,The lord I was set to marry" Alice explained. ,,What a weird name" Tarrant frowned. He didn't like that person just by the fact that he wanted to marry his Alice. ,,Anyway" Alice continued ,,The day, Mc Twisp came to take me back, was the day, Hamish asked me to marry him. It was a huge celebration party. I needed to return to tell him no". Tarrant's eyes gleamed as he listened. ,,I also had to tell my mother and my sister, that I alone am to decide what to do with my life. I couldn't have left without a word. Do you understand that"? Tarrant nodded. ,,I do" he smiled at her ,,I also understood back then but I was sad you know". ,,Now you know why I had to go back" Alice sighed. ,,And I am thankful, you told me after all" he replied. They continued to walk until huge mountains with waterfalls running down came to sight. Alice mouth dropped open at the view. ,,Tarrant"! She gasped ,,Are these the waterfalls you see from Miranas castle"? The hatter nodded, grinning proudly ,,Right you are"! ,,Is this the surprise"? She turned to him, still shocked. ,,Surprise" he beamed at her. ,,It's wonderful! Thank you so much"! With a jump of joy, the blond hurried to hug the hatter gushingly. Tarrant, surprised by the sudden action, widened his eyes but soon wrapped his arms around her. ,,I'm happy you like it" he lisped. ,,Like it"? Alice replied ,,I love it"! Tarrant continued to grin ,,Want to see them close up"? ,,We can"?! Alice couldn't stop looking shocked and surprised. ,,Yes of course"! Tarrant laughed ,,I didn't bring you here just so you can stand and look at them from afar. There are caves behind the waterfalls, you can go inside". ,,But what about the basket"? Alice asked. ,,We can leave it down here". ,,Are you sure about that"? Alice frowned at him. ,,Pretty certain" he replied in his deeper voice. Something made Alice shiver from the way he just said it but she put it off. ,,Come" he offered her his hand ,,We need to climb a bit". ,,Ok" Alice took his hand and followed him up the rocky road. ,,I'm not that experienced in hiking" Alice stated after some time. ,,That's fine. I'm not a professional either" Tarrant gave it a glance upwards. Soon, they were half the way up the mountain. A good hundred feet above. Just when Alice wanted to take another step, some rocks broke under her right foot, crumbled away and she slipped. Just at the right moment, Tarrant managed to pull her up to his side. Eyes wide Alice starred at the spot where the rocks fell away. Still in shock, she clawed herself onto the hatters torso. ,,Careful Alice"! Tarrant lisped ,,Are you ok"? Just then he realized that she was shaking. His mood instantly changed and he intensified his grip around her. ,,It's ok" he whispered in his deep scottish accent ,,I've got you". Alice took a deep shaky breath. After a few seconds, she finally lifted her head to meet his face. ,,You've saved me.." she aspirated ,,If you hadn't hold my hand, I would have fallen down into my death..". Carefully Tarrant reached for Alice cheek to wipe a tear with his thumb. ,,I know" he blinked ,,But I wouldn't have let that happen. You're safe now. I'll make sure we'll make it up to the cave safe and sound". Swallowing the lump of fear, Alice nodded and wiped the rest of the shock tears. ,,Come, let me help you" softly he pulled her closer and helped her walk past the narrow road. Walking forward, he made sure, Alice was secure and right behind him. The fact, that Alice grip of his hand had intensified didn't pass him. ,,Tarrant..." he heard her voice call his name. It still sounded a bit shaken up. ,,Hm"? He turned to face her. For a moment Alice just looked at him, her mouth opened slightly but then she closed it again. ,,No, it's nothing. Nevermind" she turned her head to the side, her cheeks light pink. Blinking confused, Tarrant decided to let it go and not bother Alice to tell him.
A few more steps and they finally arrived at the waterfalls. ,,Wow" Amazed, Alice stretched out her hand to touch the water. Tarrant smiled relieved as Alice smiled again. ,,We're there. The cave is right behind that waterfall" he explained. ,,Can't wait"! Alice followed the hatter through a small opening, that led them right behind the rushing water. In the cave both let go of their hands and looked around. ,,Incredible" Alice aspirated ,,I've been at many places but never at a place like this". ,,Do you like it"? Tarrant asked her. ,,It's wonderful" Alice beamed as she turned around. ,,Thank you so much for bringing me here Tarrant"! Happily, she walked back to him. For a moment, they just stood in front of each other, looking at another, then Alice rose her voice again. ,,I am so happy to be back...I can't even tell you..". ,,You have no idea how happy I am to have you back here" Tarrant answered while smiling at her. Suddenly Alice started to feel the odd tingle come back to her stomach. Her heart speed up and her fingertips went cold, as he walked up closer to her. Oh how much she'd missed him. How much she'd wanted to be in his arms again, see his smile again, that grin that showed the little gap between his teeth, his emerald orbs in which you could get lost in, his fiery hair, his goofy and overjoyed behavior. His way to start rambling when he got excited, his gentleness and how he knew how to calm her down when she felt anxious or sad. The way his voice used to get low and form this scottish accent that made shivers run down her spine. And all of the sudden Alice realized what she was feeling. What she'd been feeling for the past six years. The feeling that started growing slinking and inconspicuously at first, was now clear and obvious. Little did she know, that her opposite felt and thought just the same things. It was the first moment of clarity. Unsure both just looked at each other, getting closer and closer until their foreheads touched. Alice started to feel dizzy, as if something clouded her mind. Tarrant as well couldn't keep himself from his own feelings anymore so he softly put his hand on her cheek once more. And for this time, both took the chance they'd missed the day before. Leaning forward, Alice conquered the last inches between them until their lips met each other. Tenderly and shy at first but then they intensified the pressure. While Tarrants right hand slipped from her cheek to her neck, Alice wrapped her hands around his shoulders. All the tingling that was locked in their stomachs, now broke free. It was like a firework, that exploded in their heads. Why did they hold it back for so long? Why didn't they realize it earlier? And after seconds, that felt like hours, they broke off softly, to catch a breath. Gleaming, their eyes met once more. Alice lips curled up into a mischievous smile which Tarrant retorted.
,,I love you Alice"! He aspirated ,,Always did and always will". Lovingly he looked at her, his green eyes searching in her face for a sign and she smiled even wider. ,,And I love you" she replied ,,In a crazy, mad and wonderful way"! And he too started to smile widely. Resting her head against his chest both enjoyed their nearness. Lovingly Tarrant placed another kiss on the top of her head. ,,I am so sorry it took me so long to realize it Tarrant" Alice muttered. ,,You're right on time for me" he murmured back into her blonde curls and they hugged even tighter. Slowly Alice let her hand down to find his and slid her fingers between his to clasp them together. How much she loved him. How much he loved her. It was like finally breathing air. For a long moment they stayed like that, hands clasped together. ,,What now"? Came the question from Alice. Tarrant, who had rested his head on hers, lowered it down to meet her gaze again. ,,Stay with me Alice, stay in Underland. I can't bear loosing you again. Especially not now. Now that I finally realized my feelings for you". Alice reached for his cheek. ,,I want to stay just as much as you want me to, Tarrant. After all these years, I now know that this is where I belong but..." she lowered her eyes and her smile faded. ,,But"? His eyes followed hers, and his chest tightened in fear. ,,What about my mother and Magaret? They're still in Upland and they think I'll return eventually". Tarrant looked at her, saddened and desperate but suddenly he remembered their talk on the balcony. Her words and his thoughts.
,,Hatter...I want you to know, that if it wasn't for my mother and my sister, I would have stayed. I did not want to leave you...". ,,Why don't you bring them here then"? ,,I can't...they wouldn't be happy here". ,,How can you be sure"?
Tarrant blinked.
,,I would always come back to you". ,,I know". He knew he couldn't hold her, if she wanted to go back to her family. But he now knew one thing for sure and it filled him with enough happiness to endure whatever might come his way. Alice would always return to him.
,,What do you want to do Alice"? He asked her softly and understanding ,,I don't want you to be unhappy". ,,Tarrant"! Alice replied a bit louder, gripping his coat on each sides ,,I'm more happy with you than I'd ever been up there. I know what I want now and I've known it for quiet a while. I just suppressed it". ,,And your mother and sister"? He asked. ,,I'll go back eventually and tell them that I belong here, tell them that I finally found what I was looking for, finally found my place, found the man I love and then return back as soon as possible". Tarrants smile returned and he rested his forehead against hers once more. ,,And your job"? ,,I'll just quit. I know my fathers ship means a lot but it's just a ship. He would want me to be happy more than anything and I am happy here. With you. You are so much more worth than my fathers ship". Still smiling, he leaned in to kiss her again and she retorted it. ,,Oh dear" Alice then laughed ,,What about the others? Should we keep it a secret for now"? ,,Why" he grinned ,,They know it anyway". ,,They do"? Alice blinked but rolled her eyes afterwards. ,,Yeah right, no wonder they tried to act clueless". ,,Do you want to go back"? He asked her. ,,Let's return slowly. I want to savor everything". ,,You know we'll have more than enough time for plenty trips now my dear" he took her hand in his. ,,I know" she smiled at him ,,Do you know who'll freak out the most"? Alice chuckled. ,,My sister"? He grinned. ,,Yes"! She replied and both started laughing. Smiling and giggling they climbed back down until Tarrant lifted Alice up at her waist and placed her down into the grass. ,,Oh, the basket, it's still there"! Alice blinked and walked up to it. ,,I told you it wont fly away" Tarrant snickered. ,,Who knows" Alice teased ,,Maybe this basket is a special kind and grows wings". ,,Maybe" he whispered into her ear as he pulled her closer on his waist. ,,Oh come on" laughing she pushed him away on his chest. ,,Let me at least carry the basket" quickly he scuttled at her side and took it from her. ,,Thank you" Alice responded. Hand in hand they walked back through the meadow. The smile didn't leave their lips. Tarrant for a moment even grinned as he remembered. It was the right thing to put down his thimbles and his pincushion.