Who Shall It Be?

[niphuria]

I don't own Alice in Wonderland or any of its characters. Based on the 2010 Tim Burton film.

Alice is torn between her love for Tarrant and her love for Mirana. But who will she choose?

Special thanks to Ngoc Chau for her advice and ideas on how same-sex affairs could be viewed in Underland.

This is chapter 2 of this story for the Alice/Tarrant fans. This concludes the story for Alice and Tarrant.   Chapter 3 will conclude the story for the Tarrant and Mirana fans.



Who Shall It Be?

"I think I love Tarrant, but when I am with you I feel the same way!" she choked out. "I'm so confused, Mirana!"

Mirana had not counted on this. She did not want to attempt to force Alice to love anyone against her will. That would be wrong and only cause pain, suffering, and guilt.

"Alice, do you feel, even if just a little, more for one of us than the other?" she asked gently.

Alice could barely think. She was against a wall and enjoying the tender touches of a woman she absolutely adored, perhaps even loved. Her desire for Mirana was undeniable. Her body yearned for something she did not understand, but the yearning was very, very real. She put her arms around Mirana and pulled her flush against her body and kissed her. She even parted her lips and felt Mirana eagerly part hers. Their tongues gently touched and caressed and slid over and around the others. Alice had to discover if she felt horrible and ashamed by kissing another woman.

To her surprise, she did not. It felt...right. It felt more than right. It felt wonderful! The heat between her thighs began to produce a moistness that Alice knew beyond a doubt was desire.

"Alice?" Mirana's eyelids fluttered and a becoming blush coloured the Queen's cheeks. "How did that feel?"

"It felt...it felt so good and so right!" Alice gasped.

Mirana sighed with relief and giggled in delight. "I love you, Alice! And I desire you as I have never desired another. When you are ready, and if you wish it, I will be happy to show you the physical pleasures of love. I'll love you and pleasure you and teach you everything there is to know about womanly love and happiness."

Alice's heart began to race and she grew so moist that she feared her pantalettes were soaked.

"Oh, Mirana! I think I would like that! But...I'm not ready just yet."

"It's all right, my dearest," Mirana said to her, stroking Alice's golden curls. "I do not want to pressure you into anything. But know that I love you and I can wait for as long as you need, no matter what you decide. But will you let me do one thing before we part for now?"

"Anything!" Alice gasped, her bosom heaving and her insides fluttering and coiling.

Mirana smiled. She placed a delicate hand directly on one of Alice's breasts and gently squeezed and caressed it as she gave the girl one more sweet, open-mouthed kiss. Alice moaned and sighed and arched her back, forcing her breast harder into Mirana's cupped hand. Her hips bucked slightly and she panted in desire, never wanting the beautiful moment to end.

When the Queen at last drew back Alice was flushed so darkly that her cheeks were almost red. Her gaze blended with Mirana's and neither of them felt the slightest bit of shame or wrong-doing.

"Until tomorrow, sweet Alice," Mirana said, and with a final gentle squeeze to Alice's breast she glided back into the Palace.

Alice remained against the wall, breathing heavily and trying to process all the feelings and sensations that continued to assail her.

She did not see Tarrant Hightopp concealed behind a rose bush not twenty feet from her. And she certainly did not see his angry and jealous orange eyes.

Tarrant watched Alice as she still lay back against the wall, her eyes closed and her breathing ragged. How could Mirana confuse her like this? How could the Queen of Underland tell Alice she loved her and go so far as to attempt to seduce her? It could only end in heartache for Alice! And His Alice deserved much better. She deserved to be loved by someone who would love her forever, cherish her, and even marry her and give her children if she desired.

"Mirana can give her none of those things!" he softly hissed in anger. "She can't!"

"Oh? What things, Tarrant?" a smooth voice purred into Tarrant's ear.

Tarrant flinched and almost cried out. Luckily he didn't and remained unseen by Alice.

Tarrant quickly moved further away until he was at a safe distance. Then he gritted his teeth and practically spat out his reply to the Most Irritating Feline in Underland.

"She can't give her the love and devotion she deserves! She can never marry her, you stupid beast! And she can't even publicly show her love for Alice! What sort of life would that be for My Alice?"

"Oh, Your Alice, is it?" Chessur asked silkily, "I'm not so sure. You saw and heard everything. And I can smell the girl's desire from here. It seems there are things the Queen can indeed give her."

"But she's confused, she even said so! And she also said that she loves me!" Tarrant said, just now recalling that part of Alice's admission.

"So what are you going to do about it, eh?" the cat purred, drifting in lazy circles around Tarrant's hat. "Are you going to tell her what you told me? Or are you going to let her enter this thing blindly with the Queen? After all, I highly doubt Mirana has yet told Alice that she would have to be a dirty little secret. Unless, of course, she thinks that Alice knows that. But we both know that she doesn't. Or does she?" Chessur took a chance and rested on Tarrant's shoulder. The Hatter didn't shove him off.

"Of course not!" Tarrant said. "I'm sure of it! If Alice knew she would certainly never have even considered such a...a..."

"Relationship?"

"Yes," he admitted grudgingly. "There's nothing for it but to talk to Alice and..." Tarrant paused for a moment, deep in thought. "But do I dare tell her? I don't want to interfere with her happiness, but I love her and can't help how I feel! I don't want her to be hurt, but I also don't want her to come to me simply because she may decide that a life with Mirana is not right for her."

Chessur yawned and stretched. "Well, I must be off now. If I were you I'd take a chance and talk to her. And I'd do it as soon as possible. The girl is very impressionable and vulnerable right now."

"Yes, she is," Tarrant replied sadly. "I just hope that I can keep myself from taking advantage of that."

"So do I, Tarrant," the cat said, slowly vanishing, "so do I."

After entering the palace and "finding" Alice in the Gardens walking slowly about Tarrant asked her to Tea that evening.

"We'll even be alone! Mally's on a date with Nivens and Thackery is going to collect some herbs or some such things that only bloom at night."

Alice smiled but her eyes were tinged with sadness. "Of course, Tarrant. I'd love to!"

He caught her chin in his hand and gently lifted it. "My Alice, what is it? Why are you sad?"

"Oh, I'm not sad! Not really. I'm just..." She looked into Tarrant's eyes. "I think I'm very confused, Tarrant. Something has happened with me and I don't know what to make of it. I should be happy, perhaps, or perhaps not. I...I just don't know!"

Tarrant gently pulled Alice into an embrace and was surprised when she pressed herself against him tightly. He tightened his hold on her as well and whispered soothing words in Outlandish to her. Even though she couldn't understand him he knew that she felt the meaning and comfort that he meant by them. Slowly her body relaxed against his and then she lay her cheek against his chest.

"Tarrant, do you mind if I go with you now?"

"Of course not! Please do. There is no-one I'd rather be with."

Alice half-heartedly giggled against him. "But Tarrant, I'm afraid that I won't be very good company!"

"My dear, you are always good company to me. Come along and let's go home. I'll make us tea and I have some cookies that you should enjoy. And then you can tell me everything." He realised that he shouldn't have used the word "home" but Alice didn't seem to have noticed.

"Thank you, Tarrant. I really need you tonight."

Tarrant forced himself to not think Those Thoughts and he held her tighter for a moment. "I'm all yours, lass!"

Tarrant served the tea and cookies in his kitchen. Alice took her usual seat facing the stove and this time she did not place her hands in her lap fearfully. She looked ready to talk and Tarrant was relieved to see this. She looked nervous yet determined. He felt that she wanted to be able to make a decision about herself and Mirana soon; perhaps tonight.

Tarrant hoped so. He seated himself beside Alice instead of across from her. The table had four chairs but he wanted to be closer to Alice. He knew he needed it and felt that she did, too.

For several minutes they sipped and nibbled cookies in companionable silence. When Alice had consumed about half of her tea she suddenly straightened in her chair.

"Tarrant? I need to talk to you, as you already know. But I'm nervous; and even a little frightened. I don't know what you'll think of me and...I'm afraid." She looked down into her cup, unable to meet his eyes.

Tarrant reached over and took one of her hands gently into his. He had removed his gloves. He wanted to feel her tonight; as it could possibly be his last chance. Besides, he didn't want Alice to see his gloves and feel that he was in the slightest way dispassionate or inaccessible. Oh, how soft her hand was! Her tiny fingers sliding like satin between his calloused ones sent a shiver of delight down his spine.

"Alice, I would not, or could not, ever think badly of you. I love you! I accept you for who you are and always will. My love for you is unconditional."

He knew that she was not taking his declaration of love in a romantic way, but he wanted to speak the words nonetheless. Perhaps they would seep into her consciousness and she would understand his true meaning. But right now she needed a friend and he would be that for her. As much as it may rend his heart, he would be her friend.

Alice looked up at him and her eyes were misted with tears. "Tarrant! I...I love you, too! And I thank you for being here for me! I think I can talk to you now." What she didn't tell him was that her heart and her mind were confused. She loved him, didn't she? She was so sure of herself until she had felt stirrings of desire for Mirana. And then she had begun to doubt that she was a woman who was capable of loving a man. Perhaps she was indeed a woman who could only feel desire for, from, and love another woman.

"My Alice, don't be afraid. Talk to me. I'm here for you," Tarrant said gently, squeezing her hand.

The gentle squeeze sent pleasant shivers up Alice's arm and she blushed. "All right," she said. "Do you remember when I asked you if a woman could love another woman?"

"Yes. You said that you had feelings for the Queen." Tarrant had to fight to keep calm. "Hold her, kiss her! Tell her that she's yours and not hers!" the inner voices told him. But he had to keep them in check! He couldn't jeopardize her friendship, not to mention the possibility of her love because of those persistent voices!

"Yes, Tarrant. I...I think I love her, but I'm not certain. Today she told me that she loves me and that when I'm ready she will...um...show me how women can love each other." A deep blush swept from her cheeks down to the top of her bodice.

Tarrant once again had to fight the urge to grit his teeth. Instead he began to stroke Alice's fingers with his.

"How did that make you feel?" he asked her.

Alice swallowed nervously. "At first it felt so right. She kissed me, Tarrant. And then she...she touched..." She stopped and swallowed again. "She touched me on my...upper body."

"She means her breast!" a voice shouted in Tarrant's mind. I know that! he shouted back mentally. Now shut up!

"And did you like it?" he asked her softly, dreading her response. He had seen the entire thing. He had heard how Alice had moaned and saw how her knees had buckled from her desire.

"I did," she admitted. "Tarrant...I did like it." She didn't see his eyes momentarily flicker with sadness. "But then I began to think about it and I don't know if I...if I liked it because she touched me or because I'm a woman and I just enjoy the...touch."

Tarrant sighed with relief and Alice looked at him. "Is something wrong?"

"Oh, no!" he said quickly. "I was just thinking on what you've said. And you could very well be right. So, you think it's possible that you love Mirana as a dear friend, and because you enjoyed a kiss and a touch from her, that it may not be a romantic love, but a passionate response from your body?"

Alice smiled at him and Tarrant brightened. He smiled in return and this time she squeezed his hand.

"Exactly! But I'm not sure, Tarrant.. You see, I don't have anyone to compare her touch to, and I'm not a...a loose woman! At least I hope I'm not. But I am confused. What if I don't love her in that way but my body responded because I am ready to love? But, on the other hand, what if I do love her? What then?"

"Alice, may I say a few things?" Tarrant gently interrupted.

"Of course!" Alice seemed relieved. "Please do!"

"Well, first of all, you are a woman, and a passionate and loving one at that." Alice smiled, pleased. "And you adore Mirana, who is very beautiful and sensual. But Alice, do you know what being in love with her would be like for you? I don't mean the physical aspects, or even the emotional ones. I am referring to your social status and what it would mean for you to be her consort."

Alice's brow furrowed and she gasped. She had obviously not thought that part out!

"Well, I'm not saying you would not be happy, Alice. But you should be aware that Mirana will be expected to marry someday and bear children. Now, she may indeed be allowed to have a consort, but that consort is not allowed to give or receive affection in public. In fact, consorts are expected to be completely secret. However, we've known of some in the past and just looked the other way as long as his or her behaviour was discreet. So, if you love Mirana and are willing to be her consort, you will be expected to be discreet at all times; preferably not known of at all. And marriage is impossible. It is simply not done."

Alice's face registered shock and horror. "Why...why did she not tell me any of this?" she whispered brokenly, tears suddenly beginning to stream down her now pale face.

Tarrant released her hand and leaned over and took her in his arms. Her pressed her face against his neck and let her cry.

"Shhh...it's all right, My Alice! Likely she thought that you knew! It is so easy for us to remember that you are not from Underland! So many other things are permissible and possible here, but a same-sex affair with a royal is not one of them."

Alice whimpered and hiccuped and Tarrant stroked her back and her hair for many minutes until the blonde's heaving body began to relax. He whispered comforting words into her ear and continued to hold her.

"She...she should have told me!" Alice said angrily. "She should have told me, Tarrant!"

Tarrant stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. "I know, my dear Alice, I know. But the important thing is how you feel about it. Are you all right to sit and talk some more?"

Alice nodded and when they sat Tarrant handed her his handkerchief. He did not dry the tears she had shed on his neck. He cherished the fact that he was the one to hold and comfort her when she was in pain.

"Tarrant, if it's true that I just...that I just enjoyed the...touching, then it could be that I can indeed be truly in love with a man, am I correct?"

He gave her a reassuring smile. "Correct, lovely Alice! However, there is one way you can find out."

"Find out? How?" Then she blushed and glared at him with irritation. "Tarrant! Do you mean I should let some strange man kiss me and touch me like that?"

"Of course not!" he hastily reassured her. "I mean, perhaps..." Now he was the one who was nervous. "Perhaps, if you are not completely averse to the idea..." He couldn't finish. "Tell her!" the voices shouted, but he could not. Not just yet. He took a sip of the now cold tea but it did not repulse him. It rather comforted him. What he had been about to say could have cost him his friendship with Alice.

"Tarrant? Tell me, please!" Alice said. She reached up and touched Tarrant's cheek. Why was he so nervous? He had been so straightforward and so comforting until now. Now he was suddenly afraid to talk to her. Why? She stroked his cheek and he turned to her, his eyes emerald with a hint of violet. She smiled. His eyes were so beautiful. They were one of the many things she loved about him. Her hand froze momentarily. Love? Yes, she had been so certain she was falling in love with Tarrant before Mirana had begun to behave romantically towards her. She smiled again and resumed stroking his cheek. Tarrant was blushing as he gazed at her and that gave her the courage to ask him again.

"Tarrant? It's all right, whatever it is. Please tell me what you want to say!"

Tarrant steeled himself. "Well, I was going to ask you if you would mind if I kiss you, Alice."

"Kiss me? Do you want to, Tarrant, or are you just trying to help me find out if I am a woman who could love a man?" Her tone was light and teasing. She felt so much better now. She still wasn't entirely certain if a man's touch would be right for her, but she was certain that she wanted to find out!

"Well," he said, wringing his hands in his lap as he continued to blush and stare helplessly into her cornflower blue eyes that were sparkling with more than just a hint of mischief, "I think I would like to kiss you very much, Alice."

"Well then, why don't you?" she asked. "I need to know, Tarrant, and besides, I think I would like to kiss you, too."

Tarrant suddenly stood, knocking his chair over. He ignored it and took her hands in his and lead her into the front room. Alice followed silently as they seated themselves on the sofa. He gazed into her eyes as he slowly leaned forward.

Tarrant licked his bottom lip and Alice was mesmerized by the sight. She had almost forgotten how very lovely his mouth was. His rich red lips were lush and moist and curved in a slightly sensual way that made her breath quicken in anticipation.

Anticipation? Then perhaps she wasn't... And then he kissed her. Alice sighed in pleasure as his mouth pressed softly against hers. She didn't move for a moment, and then when he parted his lips slightly she eagerly parted hers and sought out his tongue.

Oh, she was responding to him! Her delicate little tongue twined with his and he savoured the feel, the smell, and the taste of her. She was lemony and feminine and so uniquely Alice. He put his arms around her and pulled her closer and in response she wrapped her arms around his neck as they deepened their kiss.

Tarrant's mouth was so wondrously sweet! He tasted of cherries and cream and a hint of something musky, masculine and sensual. Then he pulled her closer and shivers ran up and down her spine. When he tilted his head to change the angle Alice felt the tell-tale moisture begin to form between her thighs. Perhaps she...

Tarrant couldn't help himself. He brought one hand around to the front of her body and cupped a breast. Yes! Uncorseted, as he had hoped. He felt her shudder but she didn't stop him. She...she wasn't stopping him! He gently squeezed her breast and she sighed. She broke the kiss but closed her eyes and tilted her head back.

"Please, Tarrant, don't stop!"

He didn't. He pressed and squeezed her breast. When he ran his thumb over her nipple she gasped and pressed her breast harder into his hand. She had done this with Mirana, he knew, but he didn't care. She was enjoying his touch and she wasn't asking him to stop! Quite the opposite, in fact!

Tarrant dared to go a bit further. He gently pushed her back against the plush pillow against the arm of the sofa and looked into her face. She was flushed and panting. He gave her a questioning look and even though she did not know what he intended, she nodded.

Tarrant held her arms at her sides and bent down and took as much of her breast into his mouth as he could. He heard her moan as he sucked on her tender mound through the thin cloth of her blouse. He suckled at her nipple and she squirmed delightfully and gasped.

"Oh, Tarrant, yes! Please, more!" She had never felt so aroused! Not even when Mirana had caressed her breast. The more she was experiencing with Tarrant the more she knew that her feelings for Mirana were misguided and confused. She did love Tarrant! She didn't know if he felt the same for her, but from the way he was behaving she knew there was hope that he either did already or he could! Either way, the sensations assaulting her body and the love and affection sweeping through her were more than enough right now.

Tarrant sucked hard on her nipple and she cried out. He still held her arms firmly to her sides but her involuntary struggling only heightened her desire. Then he did something that completely surprised her. He took the neckline of her blouse in his teeth and pulled downwards, scattering the buttons and leaving her upper body completely exposed to him.

Tarrant's eyes changed to deep golden as he gazed unabashedly at her beautiful body. Her flushed and heaving breasts drew him like a magnet and he bent down and laved his tongue over one nipple, then the other. He kissed, licked, sucked, and then took one nipple between his teeth and tugged. Alice bucked against him and made a choked sound that he could swear was...

Alice had never felt such pleasure before! It was better than she could have ever imagined! The moistness between her legs became wetness and bolts of desire shot straight to her maidenhood, teasing and winding about her sex until it throbbed mercilessly. She was experiencing something that was uncoiling inside of her and pushing her towards something. Something just out of reach, but so close, so close! When he took her nipple between his teeth and tugged, she cried out hoarsely and bucked her lower body uncontrollably. She had just had her first orgasm!

Tarrant grinned in sheer delight. She had climaxed from his pleasuring of her breasts alone? Well then, if she allowed him, he would make her climax several more times tonight! But he didn't want to frighten her off, so he forced himself to pull back from her.

"You're beautiful, My Alice," he whispered and released her arms.

Breathing heavily and enjoying the afterglow of her pleasure she gazed at Tarrant. This man, this loving, caring, thoughtful and selfless man was giving her something so special and precious that she didn't know what to say.

"Tarrant," she began, but he interrupted her.

"My Alice, have I gone too far?" he asked her, clearly worried.

She giggled. "Oh, Tarrant, how can you ask such a thing! You've given me the most incredible pleasure I've ever had! You are proving to me that not only are you a loving and incredible man, but that I love you!" She gasped. She had told him! What if he didn't love her?

Tarrant froze. She had just said that she loved him, but then she had gasped. Did that mean that she didn't?

Alice saw the stricken look on his face and suddenly felt a peace and certainty that she had never felt before. But she had to reassure him right away!

"Tarrant, I meant it. I love you! I was certain that I loved you before Mirana and I began to... Never mind. I just don't know how you feel. But if I'm being presumptuous..."

Tarrant's mouth was suddenly on hers and his arms were scooping her up against his chest. Alice gasped into his mouth and this time they both giggled. He practically sprinted to his bedroom and then stopped and very carefully lowered his precious burden to his bed.

"I love you, My Alice. I've been telling you, but you never truly heard me. I'm in love with you, Alice. I've loved you for so long that I can't even remember when I first started loving you!" He paused and sat beside her. "But I...I can't just expect you to let me make love to you now. I...I'm sorry. I got carried away and..."

"Tarrant, hush!" Alice pulled him atop her and kissed him soundly. "Tarrant, if you love me and I love you... Wait." She cleared her throat. "I think I need to know something, Tarrant."

"What is it?" he asked her, wondering if she was thinking about Mirana again.

"I need to know if I can experience the most complete pleasure from a man." She grinned.

"Ah, I see. Do you want me to..."

"Yes, Tarrant. Use those teeth of yours and undress me completely and then pleasure me until I scream your name!"

"Alice, I'll do anything you want me to do! But I...we, need to be certain that I'm not taking advantage of you."

"What?"

"What if you are vulnerable and impressionable and you wake up tomorrow and regret this?"

Alice understood. "Tarrant, I know my own mind. If you recall, I told you that I knew I loved you before I even thought that I could possibly love Mirana. I was so frightened that you may not return my feelings that I lost my Muchness and never told you how I feel. And then this entire thing with...

Please. I don't want to talk about it anymore. I love you, Tarrant Hightopp. I know I do. With all my heart and soul, I'm yours, if you'll have me."

Tarrant's eyes were so gorgeously green and violet that Alice was stunned by their beauty. The softened expression on his face, the hopeful smile, the glistening of tears...

"Are ye sure, lass?" He had to give her one last chance. He had to. She had to be absolutely certain.

"Yes, Tarrant! I'm sure. I've never been so certain of anything in my life." She smiled gently and touched his lips, tracing her finger over them until he smiled and revealed the endearing gap. Alice giggled and slid her finger to it and pressed gently into it. Tarrant closed his eyes and suckled her finger, not realizing that Alice was becoming more aroused by the moment.

Oh, this sensation reminded her of how his mouth felt on her nipples! And she never would have thought that him sucking on her finger could feel so incredibly erotic. She could feel that her pantalettes were completely soaked.

"Tarrant, please..." She gasped and groaned when he sucked harder on her finger, drawing it further into his mouth. "Please..."

"Please wha', lass?" he mumbled around her finger.

"Please...I ache!"

"Whar de yeh ache, lass?" he teased her. Yes, he was going to make her say it! He opened his eyes and gazed at her with loving mischief.

Alice swallowed nervously, but with anticipation. She knew he would give her what she needed.

"I...I ache here, Tarrant!" She took his hand and slid it under her skirt and to her wet undergarment.

"Well, then, Ah'll nae keep ye waitin' when yer achin' sew much, Mah Alice!"

Tarrant pushed her back onto the bed and Alice was surprised when he didn't undress. He didn't hesitate to rip her skirt from her with both his hands and his teeth and toss the remains aside. He also didn't bother with her half-boots. He just leaned down and began to lick her soaking wet and heated core through her pantalettes.

Alice gasped so loudly that she momentarily choked. Tarrant seized her hips and held her firmly while he knelt on the floor and pulled her closer to his hungry mouth. At first she was scandalized despite her intense desire, but her mind effortlessly swept that thought aside at the pleasure of his tongue and teeth scraping along her wet slit and grazing against the hyper-sensitive nub just under the top of her folds.

She squirmed and panted and within moments she was begging him to remove the offending garment. Tarrant grinned in satisfaction at her response and pulled them completely off of her. When he returned to her delicious maidenhood he laved his tongue over her and sucked hard on her tiny nubbin. Alice wrapped her booted feet around his head and urged him on. Her arching back and glorious moans kept him tasting of and teasing her. When he poked his long tongue inside her and curled it she bucked hard and orgasmed so powerfully that her legs pulled his face to her sex so firmly that he couldn't breathe. He didn't mind, however. He would die a happy man...

But she released him and lay still for a moment, panting and desperately trying to catch her breath. It was time. Tarrant stood and removed his clothing in record time. Alice scooted back on the bed and he climbed atop her.

"Are ye ready fer meh?" he asked, again peering into her eyes to make certain before it was too late.

"Yes, Tarrant! I love you!" Her eyes glowed and she looked happier than he had ever seen her. "Please claim me and make me yours now and forever!"

Tarrant took a deep breath and he saw Alice do the same. They both knew she would experience pain and were bracing for it. He slowly began to press his surprisingly long and thick length into her small body.

He was so large! Alice felt that there was no possible way that he would actually fit inside her; but she knew that was absurd. Of course he would! A woman was made for this! She would be all right. Besides, that craving longing scorching need inside her could only be sated by him. By his hardness and his...cock! Yes, his cock inside of her would ease that ache.

Alice impatiently tugged on Tarrant's hair. "Push yourself inside me, Tarrant!" she hissed. "I need you! I need this! Please!" Her eyes were so filled with beautiful longing and desperation that Tarrant was compelled to oblige her.

He plunged into her until their bodies touched. Alice screeched and her nails sank into his shoulders. But through her pain she felt the need already beginning to be satisfied. She began to pound her fists on his back in impotent frustration. She needed more! Much more!

"Move! Please move, Tarrant!" Alice was so desperate that she looked into his golden eyes. "Don't be gentle with me! I can take it! I need it!"

And he gave her what she wanted and needed; and...what he needed.

After some minutes of vigourous pumping and pounding and sweating and groaning they reached their peaks of pleasure. Tarrant reached it first as he could no longer hold back. But he remained hard enough to bring Alice to her peak before he began to soften.

Panting and utterly spent, they lay together side by side.

"That...that was...incredible!" Alice gasped. "I never knew this part of love could be so wondrous! Oh, Tarrant, I need to make up to you the pleasure you did not receive!"

"Wha' de ye mean?" he asked. "Ah've nevah bin sew happeh an' satisfied in mah life! Th' lass Ah luv luvs meh back and mah body hae nevah bin sew...sew..." He smiled. He found a good word! "Fulfilled!"

Alice giggled. "Mine either!"

"Mah Alice?"

"Yes, Tarrant?"

"Are ye happeh?"

"More than happy, Tarrant. I'm in love and loved and I couldn't ask for anything more. I'm so happy that I think my heart will burst! I feel like I can fly! Like I could..."

"Dew six impossibeh thins?"

She giggled again. "More than that, Tarrant!"

"Well, Ah onleh wan' one, Mah Alice."

"What is that, my beautiful Hatter?"

"Marreh meh?"

Alice rolled onto her side and peered into his eyes. They were the brightest emerald green she had ever seen and the flecks of violet...yes. He loved her. He loved her so much that she knew he meant it.

"Yes, Tarrant! I'll marry you!" She had no doubt whatsoever. Not in her mind, her heart, or her soul.

Tarrant gazed into her cornflower blue eyes and saw the love, sincerity, and certainty in them. He sighed in relief and utter happiness. He knew that she was never going to be confused again. She knew her mind. And he had three impossible things already. One, he was loved by Alice! Two, she was going to marry him! And three, nobody, even the Queen of Underland, would ever come between them. Ever.

I hope you enjoyed this happy ending for Alice and Tarrant as much as I enjoyed writing it. All comments are welcome!