Baby just say yes {Jefferson}

[Deleted]

Angelique had tried ignoring her feelings for quite some time, but she just couldn't do it. She was falling for Jefferson more than she probably should have, considering that her sister had been talking to him as well. The two of them never had much of a history in fighting over men, and Angelique didn't want to start that trend. Honestly, she had no idea what Marguerite's feelings on Jefferson were, or what his were on her.. It wasn't exactly something they talked about. It was all so very complicated, but Angelique would fix it all tonight. She decided that she'd lay her feelings on the line, and she'd see what would happen. 

She had made dinner for herself and Jefferson for the night. She would have happily invited Grace to join them, but she wanted to have a conversation with just the two of them. Luckily there was a Nanny named Mary who had been roaming around Storybrook, and she seemed to be excellent with children. Angelique was now rushing around, getting the final touches on the food she had been making. She made a roast with carrots and potatoes, and for dessert she made a chocolate souffle. She was rather good at cooking since she had to learn to live on her own at such a young age. She had spent nearly a year with a baker and his wife who helped her learn... and when she wasn't on the run figuring out where to go, she was working in kitchens of castles. Oh, if her mother could have seen her during those days. 

For now, she was nervous, and although she had everything done, she was still putting finishing touches on things. She remembered to dim the lights, light candles, place the plates nicely on the table.. she remembered absolutely everything! Aside from her hair. Her hair hadn't been brushed, and it was a complete mess! She gasped, and she rushed off to find a brush in her room. She quickly raked the brush through it, and grabbed a couple of clips to put it up. This was another place where she and her sister differed...her sister kept her appearance up perfectly all the time.. but Angelique was a little more clumsy with her's. In fact, she was now wearing glasses because she had lost her last pair of contact lenses. "Well," she breathed, staring at  her reflection. "That's the best you're gonna get, Angel." she muttered to herself. 

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

Jefferson wasn't sure about this at all. He had just recently gotten his daughter back and he didn't know if now was the time for another woman in his life. Yet Grace had convinced him. She kept telling him that she wanted him to be happy and that he should do this. It was her persuasion that had convinced him to. She had even given her approval over his current attire. He wore a dress shirt with dark colored jean pants, his long black coat, and a scarf around his neck -- mostly to cover the scar he had been given when he was beheaded in Wonderland. He was not wearing his trademark hat today, and instead, had his hair styled upward. He always believed in dressing in a sophisticated manner, and tonight he had quite the reason to. Speaking with Mary about a few more things, he hesitantly left his daughter in her care. Her kiss and hug of encouragement allowed him to leave with a smile on his face as he made his way over to Angelique's residence. When he arrived he knocked on her door, taking a deep breath as he waited outside. He of course could not come empty handed, so had brought a gift for her. Having spent some time with her -- initially for his daughter's play -- Jefferson had taken notice of the kinds of colors that Angelique tended to wear and created a centerpiece for her. It was a hat that he had tailored himself, adding a subtle touch of music notes around it, considering she was a theater instructor, and inside was an assortment of flowers to add a decorative bit to it. Hearing the door open, he straightened his posture and gave a small smile when she opened the door. "Hello," he greeted, knowing it wasn't the most creative form of greeting, however this was rather unfamiliar to him. With all that had happened in his life, he hadn't exactly prioritized being with women. And yet, here he was, on the door step of his daughter's instructor. Funny how things worked out.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[Deleted]

Angelique had second, third, and forth thoughts that had scattered through her mind about this date, but none of them mattered, because soon Jefferson was at the door. When she opened the door, she saw him standing there looking quite dashing, and holding a hat filled with flowers. It was beautiful. "Hello," She greeted back with a sweet smile. "Oh," she cooed. "The flowers..and the hat! They're gorgeous! I've..never really gotten flowers from anyone before.." She admitted. Then again, she'd never actually been on any sort of date before, either. This was definitely a night filled with firsts for Angelique. "Oh, please, come in. Dinner is ready." She extended her hand out slightly, motioning toward her dining room table. 

The plates had covers on top of them to keep the food warm. Everything looked nice and pristine and tidy.. she wanted to make sure everything was as nice as possible. "Can I take your coat?" She'd only ever seen this kind of thing in movies that she'd grown accustomed to watching, and in theatrical productions. Hopefully she was doing it right. It did make her feel better, however, to know that he seemed to be as awkward as she was. 

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

She seemed to be genuinely appreciative of the flowers. It was not often that Jefferson gave gifts to others, but social convention dictated such in this particular circumstance. "I haven't given a hat filled with flowers to anyone in Storybrooke before, so it's a first for me too," he stated, his words true as they were said as such, but there was an underlying tone of teasing... one that was not entirely obvious in his expression. Jefferson tended to be more subtle in his attempts of humor as such. He still felt the unfamiliarity of this all and hoped it passed with time. He did not wish to be poor company for the entire duration of the evening. He stepped inside when offered, his eyes casually looking around her apartment. It was nicely decorated, the place setting quite elegantly done. She either had practice in this field, or had gone all out for tonight. He wouldn't be surprised at the former. She was after all a beautiful woman. But then again, everyone had a past and often things that held them back. He was well aware that he didn't know her well enough to make any assumptions about her. Jefferson turned to look at her once her offer for his coat was voiced. He began to take it off, leaving the scarf around his neck for the time being. "Thank you," he said politely, handing it to her. He then clasped his hands behind his back, his eyes looking to the side once more. "You have a lovely home," he told her. While his house was large and extravagant, size meant nothing when it was absent of those you loved. A house was just structure and furniture. A home was filled with coziness and love. It had taken him 28 years to have a home here. But upon stepping into Angelique's, he felt it was a cozy place. And the magnitude of her offering to cook him dinner, inviting her into his home, was not lost upon Jefferson.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[Deleted]

When Jefferson explained that he'd never given anyone flowers here in Storybrooke before, it made a blush touch her cheeks. "Well, I'm definitely honored." She spoke as she lifted the flowers to her nose to smell them. She had always loved the scent of flowers of any kind, really. Angel placed them on the table as a centerpiece for their dinner while she listened to Jefferson compliment her on her home. She did indeed try to keep it tidy, but this was a little over kill. They could have probably eaten the food straight off of the floor and would have been fine.. Angelique wasn't normally -that- clean. "Thanks.. I've been here awhile. I wanted to make it my own the best way I could." The decor was rather feminine, but it was neutral enough that it would be comfortable for anyone to be in. 

"Come, sit." She smiled and sat down in her own seat, allowing the one opposite of her to be ready for Jefferson to sit in. She then lifted the lids off of each plate, showing off a beautifully presented roast with vegetables. "If you save room for dessert, there's a chocolate souffle in it for you." She mused with a small smile. Before she ate, she placed two bottles in front of him. "I'm not sure if you drank, so.. I bought sparkling grape juice and red wine. Help yourself." She took it upon herself to take a glass of wine for now. She wasn't much of a drinker, but she needed a little bit of liquid courage at the moment. "I'm really glad you agreed to come tonight, Jefferson." 

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

She told him that she had wanted to make the place her own and she certainly seemed to succeed in that. When she urged him to sit, he did so, seating himself in the designated chair across from her. Removing the cover, she revealed a rather delicious looking meal, the smell complimenting the sight of it. "It looks very good," he said, speaking aloud his thoughts. This, and a chocolate souffle. "You enjoy cooking, I take it?" He asked, wondering if she enjoyed doing this kind of stuff, or reserved it for nights like tonight. She seemed to think of everything down to the beverage. He gave a slight smile as he reached for the grape juice. He was indeed not a heavy drinker... besides, his mind was already fragile and the last thing he wanted to do was further impair it. Grace may need him for any reason and he didn't want to compromise his mental state. Not to mention the fact that he wanted to be completely in control of his actions tonight. "I appreciate the consideration," he said, pouring a glass of the sparkling grape juice. Upon her saying that she was glad he came, he set the bottle down once more and looked at her. "Thank you for the invitation," he said honestly. And since he was being honest... "I don't do this often," he told her. He didn't say it in a bad way or a good way. He was just telling the truth.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[Deleted]

If I could, baby I'd give you my world...
Open up, everything's waiting for you.

When Jefferson inquired if she enjoyed cooking, Angel nodded. "Oh I love it. It's an incredible stress reducer. Sometimes directing plays and musicals can be incredibly frustrating. You wouldn't imagine how relaxing it is just to come home and make six or seven dozen cupcakes." She gave a firm nod as though she had been agreeing with her own statement. She sipped her wine, and started to eat, talking between bites. "I don't do this often either," she admitted, prodding at a potato with her fork. "Actually, I've -never- done this. I haven't made dinner for someone since I worked at a palace after I ran away from home, and well..that doesn't really count, does it?" She realized suddenly that she was rambling, and took a moment to actually let him speak. 

She wanted to ask him questions, but Jefferson had always seemed like a rather touchy fellow, and she wondered exactly what was safe and what wasn't. So, she stepped over eggshells and found something that would have likely been okay to ask. "How is Grace? I hope she's doing well. I miss her since we finished up with the production. There's just something about her that lights up the room." Angelique realized deep down that although she was cooing on and on about Grace, that maybe she should have been cooing about Jefferson. However, she wasn't sure how to...flirt properly. Being socially awkward and sheltering herself from the world for so long made her a little out of touch. 

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

A stress reducer. Jefferson could certainly understand the need for that. "It's important to have a hobby. Yours at least has satisfying results." Cooking, or baking, something was a good way to de-stress for it was not only the process but the aftermath of creating something delicious to eat. "Without such an outlet, one may go mad," he added on, aware of the irony of his words... considering how some perceived him in this town. Hearing that she did not do this often as well elicited a faint smile from him in acknowledgment. It seemed that she too didn't open herself up this much... something they had in common. Though he wondered what her reasons for it were. "There is indeed a difference between wanting to cook and being obligated to do it." This was the former and he was grateful that she had allowed him the opportunity and invitation into her home. "Which palace did you work at?" He asked, before taking a small bite of the food from his plate. She did indeed have a talent for cooking. It had also been quite some time since he'd had a come cooked meal prepared by someone other than himself, or an attempt by Grace. No sooner had the thoughts of his daughter entered his mind, did Angelique ask how she was. "She's doing well," he responded. "She really enjoyed the production you put on. She continues to talk about it nearly every day." Despite his initial disapproval over the play selection, it had indeed turned out rather beautiful. If only Wonderland had been has wonderful as it was depicted to be in stories and movies. "Are you planning on organizing another one in the near future?" He inquired, taking a sip of his drink. The compliments over his daughter caused him to hold back a proud smile. He loved his Grace and hearing any praise about her, caused his heart to swell with so many emotions of love, pride and joy over her existence in his life.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[Deleted]

If I could, baby I'd give you my world...
Open up, everything's waiting for you.

When Jefferson spoke of going mad, her eyes lowered to her food. She knew what he had been referencing, and honestly, she could never see why anyone would call him mad. Sure, he was a little kooky, but she liked that. "I prefer the term eccentric, or quirky." She spoke with a small grin before snatching a carrot off of her fork with her teeth. "I worked at two palaces, actually. One in the Maritime kingdom - there was a prince there who was about as old as me but I never really had time to talk to him..And I also worked at Princess Aurora's palace for awhile. Luckily I left before her kingdom fell under the sleeping curse." She then stayed silent while she chewed her food, allowing Jefferson to talk to her about Grace. She could tell, even when he spoke of her, how much he adored his daughter. It made her feel warm and fuzzy to think that someone could love their child that much. She never grew up with that kind of warmth from a parent. Perhaps if her father would have lived, then she would have...but that was a question she'd never be able to answer. 

After he finished telling her about Grace, he asked if she planned to do another production. "Actually I was considering it. I haven't quite decided what to do yet, though.. but I'd love to work with the kids again. Especially Grace." She smiled sweetly. "You know..this is actually really nice.." Tonight was going great so far. She hadn't burnt anything, she hadn't had a dramatic break down like she was prone to doing, and she so far hadn't spilled anything on herself or Jefferson. All in all, it was pretty successful so far. "I kind of like just sitting here..talking to you." 

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

Eccentric or quirky. Those certainly had far better connotations to them than the word mad or insane. He then listened as she elaborated in response to his question, stating which kingdoms she had worked at. "Both palaces are rather extravagant." Among his many travels, he had of course ventured to these two kingdoms as well. "Did your sister work in the palace with you as well?" He had met her sister before he had met Angelique. Seeing as how they were identical twins, it didn't take a genius to identify them as siblings. "Well I'm sure Grace would enjoy being in another one of your productions. But feel free to ask her yourself." Jefferson certainly wasn't going to commit his daughter to anything, but he knew for a fact that she would be elated to know that Angelique was going to be organizing another play. "And again, if you need any assistance with the costumes or anything at all, let me know." He may as well put his skills of tailoring to more use rather than just attempting to make portals out of hats. She told him that this was nice, that she enjoyed sitting here talking to him. It had been quite some time since he had heard anyone say that to him. "The feeling is mutual." He wasn't going to lie about that, and while such words were difficult for him to initiate, he could certainly agree with them when he felt the same way. "To be entirely honest, I wasn't sure about accepting your invitation." It wasn't that he hadn't enjoyed her company... he just had his daughter to consider and well, much, much more. "Grace managed to convince me though. My daughter often proves to be wiser than I." She was truly his saving Grace.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[Deleted]

If I could, baby I'd give you my world...
Open up, everything's waiting for you.

Jefferson had mentioned her sister, and she was well aware that if he had asked her this several months ago, she would have tensed up at the the sound of her name, knowing that the two of them had made no effort to contact each other. However, now that they actually spoke and were making an effort to develop a relationship once more, it was easier for her to answer that question. "Um.. no. No, my sister stayed home with our mother. I left because it was either running away or being forced in to a convent. But..that's a bit of a long story.." And maybe too much information on the first date. Date. Was this actually a date? It had never actually been established... 

Angelique jumped on the train of talking about Grace. It wasn't that she didn't like talking about her past, it was just that...well..it was a lot of information to divulge and she wasn't sure if Jefferson wanted to hear all of the gory details. Grace, however, was a topic they could both happily get behind. "I'll definitely be asking her about it, then. And I'll also definitely be asking for your skills for everything I do now." She smiled warmly.

When he had admitted that he wasn't sure about accepting her invitation to dinner, and that Grace convinced him to go, she merely smiled. "I'll have to thank her then." She gently bit her bottom lip and glanced down at the food on her plate that she was prodding at. "You know, I didn't realize until just now how awful I am at this whole flirting thing that i'm trying to do." She admitted, as a blush touched her cheeks. "Usually the flirting was always left to Margi."     

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

Jefferson slightly cocked his head to the side when she answered his question pertaining to her sister. Apparently, Angelique had been the only one to run away. "Well if it is a story you would like to tell, then there is time for it." Jefferson was not one to pry, but nor did he want to appear overly rude in being disengaged. He often kept quiet about other people's business... the only time he had significantly interfered was when he freed Belle from Regina's imprisonment. "She'll be excited," Jefferson assured her. He gave a drawn out nod when Angelique spoke of using his services. He at least found enjoyment in tailoring against, since he was making something different from hats. He had made enough of those to last a lifetime. He abruptly dropped his fork on his plate upon hearing her remark regarding flirting. He then fidgeted in his seat, realizing that he was unused to sitting still for so long. His eyes fixated on the plate in front of him, slightly shaking his head and nothing in particular, other than the thoughts racing through his mind. A faint smile appeared on his lips, though disappeared just as quickly as it was formed. Clearing his throat, he finally realized he should say something... but what, was the question. He raised his gaze to meet hers once more. "Is that what this is?" He asked, his eyebrows furrowing a little. Flirting. Such a thing was not one Jefferson had partaken in for so long. Nor had the thought crossed his mind... even though he was fairly certain that this was indeed a date. "You don't really... have to. I mean, this can simply be a conversation, absent of any societal pressures that an evening such as this may call upon." His mind was flooding with thoughts and he did his best to force them back, to avoid saying anything that made him sound... well, mad. "Neither of us do this often. There shouldn't be any expectations." Right? Would that be easiest? Should he just trying to engage instead? Was it the normal thing to do to flirt with a pretty woman? Jefferson started tapping his foot in quick repeated motions, getting a handle on things. He really did not want to ruin this evening with her.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

____________________________________________________________________________

[Deleted]

If I could, baby I'd give you my world...
Open up, everything's waiting for you.

The idea of sharing such things had made Angelique nervous. The last time she had told her story, was to her sister alone.. and at the time, her sister had thought she was merely making things up. Sure, Angelique had an imagination on her, but some things just couldn't be made up. "Maybe some other time.." she assured him with a half grin. Although, when she had mentioned flirting, Jefferson seemed to be startled, and asked a question that she couldn't really answer. 'Is that what this is?' he had asked, and suddenly Angelique's cheeks turned even more red. They matched her hair quite well, though. "Uh.. well I um.." she started, but clearly she wasn't good with words right now. 

He then told her that this could be a nice conversation..that there didn't have to be pressure..and he was right. Even though this was a...a date... it didn't mean that she had to play footsie under the table and bat her lashes. It just meant that they were two people, who were interested in getting to know each other on a deeper level. "Right!" she smiled. "Well then.. you know, maybe I will go ahead and tell you my story." She cleared her throat, and sat upright. "So, my mother always held Marguerite on a pedestal. She had the long blonde hair, the pretty eyes to match, and legs for days." Although they were identical, Angelique had always been perceived as the awkward one.  "She was groomed to marry a prince...but never did. Mother was furious."

She started to shift a little in her seat. This was where it got good...or bad..whichever. "I had been snooping on one of mother's conversations with a friend of her's. I found out things.. horrible things. Including the fact that she had killed our father for his money, and married another man, only to do the same. She was a horrible woman.. And when I tried to tell Marguerite, she didn't believe me. Or rather, wouldn't believe me. Mother found out that I knew, and to hide her secrets, she tried to put me in a convent very, very far away. So, instead.. I ran away. I hid my nobility of course.. I had no pride in it anyway, and I got odd jobs in kitchens at palaces. At least I got closer to one than Margi. Wouldn't mom be proud?" she asked in a rather sarcastic tone.

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

She told him that she would tell him her story and he was about to open his mouth to protest. Only because he did not want her to feel forced to, though the story started with ease and he wasn't going to interrupt. Besides, it gave him something else to focus on apart from the thoughts and flashes in his head. He listened quietly, but attentively as she explained the truth about her mother and the murder she had committed. Family was everything and losing a loved one was the most difficult thing to bare. Everyone here had some sort of past, and their own share of pain that they had endured in their other life. He wondered for some, whether it was a blessing to forget and a curse to remember. Allowing a few moments of silence to follow after she finished talking, he wondered what would be appropriate to say. Did she want to hear condolences for what happened in the past? Should he tell her she did the right thing by running away? Should he offer some spontaneous inspirational quote? What was deemed suitable in such a social context? "Your sister once told me that this life was better for her than the last," he began to say. "Do you feel the same way?" He knew it was a personal question, but also one related to what she had been speaking about he supposed. A simple question, yet one that could be considered a loaded one. Either way, he had asked it and did not regret the words as he silently awaited her response, whether it would be to his question or a dismissive statement to change the subject.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

____________________________________________________________________________

[Deleted]

If I could, baby I'd give you my world...
Open up, everything's waiting for you.

After she finished speaking, she awaited his reaction. His words had gone back to something that her sister had said to him..that this life was better than her last. When he asked if she felt the same, she was quiet for a moment. "Yes," she said after a pause, with much confidence. "I can  honestly say that this life is far better. I'm speaking to my sister again, our mother is.. nowhere to be seen as of yet, and i'm able to do something I've always loved doing. Everyone always said I was a drama queen. Why not live it?" She asked with a small grin. The question could have gone a different way..she could have said she had enjoyed her freedom in her past life, but she never really had freedom like she had right here. 

"It's strange, you know.. I never actually thought of asking myself that question. But I'm so much happier here than I ever was in any kingdom I was part of. Not to mention, the company here is far better, too." Ah, there it was.. a slight sign of flirtation. Only this one came quite easily. "I could ask you the same question, but I already know the answer to it."