accidentally in love {regina}

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

It had all started with a deal. An agreement. Jefferson was to lead the queen to believe that there was no way to bring back her loved one from the dead, and of course Victor was to be involved in this elaborate plan. Rumple of course had his reasons, and Jefferson wasn't going to overly pry in them. He had played his part to perfection and it seemed that Rumple had Regina in the right mindset that he had wanted her in to continue to train her. What Jefferson hadn't anticipated was the friendship that followed. Or well, however his relationship with Regina could be classified. His job often caused him to travel much but he found himself enjoying her company when time permitted them to. He wasn't overly concerned with the fact that she was married to another man. As of right now, they were just friends. Despite what Jefferson's own heart was causing him to feel for he knew it was something more. But alas, he would not ruin what they had now, despite his longing for something more. She was married. Right now, he was currently awaiting her presence under her beloved apple tree. He had often contemplated confessing his feelings for her, but he was unsure whether they would be reciprocated. He supposed one day he would... today. Tomorrow. Days from now. Months. Who knows. When the moment came, he figured he would know what to say and how to say it. And in the meantime, he would just enjoy her company, never having expected to be so fond of Rumple's apprentice. But not did he have any regrets about it. She was a beautiful woman and there was something very intriguing about her. Jefferson was not a man who engaged in frivolous intimate relationships. But this was the first time, in a long time, he felt something for someone that caused him to want to see this person again and again. And that desire had brought him here, under her apple tree.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

Another day in a gilded cage. Regina wasn’t certain just how much more she could take. Leopold was so cold to her. When she had asked him a question about the politics he’d stared at her as though she was an insect to be squashed, an unappealing bug who had no place in his presence. Yes, he’d told her before that he didn’t like to be disturbed when he was dealing with matters of state but she was queen! Surely, she needed to be involved with the politics. If something were to happen to him it would be Regina who assumed the throne. Surely he didn’t intend to leave her clueless. Although it seemed he did. All her efforts to get him to let her in, to explain the workings of the kingdom over which he ruled, failed miserably. No, he’d made it perfectly clear that he only wished to see Regina at meals, formal occasions, and at his bedside when the urge struck him. Otherwise she was to leave him alone, stay out of sight and out of mind. He didn’t even take Regina with him when he traveled. Although given the way he treated her, that was a mercy more than anything. Finally without his restraining presence she was given a bit of freedom. She was actually allowed to leave the castle grounds. For someone who didn’t pay Regina the least bit of attention, he was certainly paranoid about her non-existent affections towards him straying.

Isolation was the word. In the whole gigantic castle, Regina had none she could call friend. The funny thing was, the person who cost her everything was the kindest to her. Regina had been trying to distance herself from the sweet girl, though. Her heart had...darkened considerably since the day they first met. Regina’s happy ending had been crushed as thoroughly as her beloved’s heart. And Snow was at least in part to blame. Regina continuously had to remind herself that it really wasn’t entirely her fault. Mother was the one to blame. She’d manipulated the young girl. But still...It ate away at her day after day, the thought that if Snow had only kept her promise...Daniel would still be here. Regina would be with him. They could have been happy. They could have already had a family together. But everything that could have been was lost in a single heart wrenching instant. The moment Snow had opened her crimson colored lips, Daniel and thus Regina was doomed.

But day after day she reminded herself, Daniel loved her for her kind heart. What had happened was tragic but an accident at least on Snow’s part, a terrible mistake. The naive little princess hadn’t understood the weight of her words. And Regina hadn’t forgotten her role in this tragedy. She wasn’t entirely blameless. Daniel was dead because out of everyone in the entire world, he’d chosen to love Regina. Because Regina had returned his feelings, because she wished to stay with him, choose him over wealth and power, Mother viewed him as an obstacle. And Regina knew all too well how Mother dealt with obstacles. If she’d pushed Daniel way or if she’d run away with him sooner...Things could have been very different. But she hadn’t. She’d waited until it was too late. And so Daniel had paid the price. But...Daniel had to be the only one who lost his kind heart. His spirit would never be at peace if he thought Regina had turned cruel. She didn’t want to end up like her mother. So she was trying her hardest to see the good in Snow. Snow was sweet. She was sheltered and careless but not malevolent. She hadn’t meant to break Regina’s heart, just her promise.

No. She corrected herself. There she went again, being unfair. This is why she tried to keep her distance from the only person in the castle who showed her compassion. She was scared that if she spent too much time with her, one day she’d snap and wring her pretty little neck. Snow didn’t understand how people truly felt. One day Regina feared Snow would push her too far, say or do the wrong thing and Regina’s composure would shatter like a crystal ball hurled against the wall. If Regina kept Snow at arm’s length, hopefully she wouldn’t come to hate her. Snow did have a kind soul. She could just be misguided at times because she wanted to see the best in everyone. But sadly, most weren’t as noble or affectionate as Snow believed. Mother had been calculating, cruel, and vindictive. But Snow had seen no trace of such disturbing traits and because of that...Enough! None of this was helping! She’d had a rough enough day as it was.

She needed some space because friends were simply something she didn’t have in the castle. There were none to console her. People either wished to manipulate her position for gain or were too scared to approach her, not wishing to accidentally offend the new queen. No one understood the pain she harbored deep in her heart. Father was the closes. He alone knew what had become of Daniel. But he was rarely allowed to visit Regina. And besides, he had thought the marriage was the best thing for her even after Daniel’s cold and callous murder. As much as he wished for Regina’s happiness, he didn’t seem to understand her heart. She wasn’t ambitious like mother. She wished to be happy! She wanted love. But that was lost to her forever.

But then...There was someone else..Her lips twitched into a smile at the thought. No, he wasn’t in the castle; but, there was a...was it a friend? Jefferson...He’d come to visit her a lot recently, ever since their little adventure together. And now...She felt his visits were the only thing that sustained her in this cold, unfeeling, isolated world. His stories, the tender touch of his hand on her back, his breath on her ear...Her cheeks flushed a bit at the thought and her heart had this strange...fluttering effect. She remembered this precious feeling but...It couldn’t be it, could it?! Daniel...But...He was gone. And she knew he was never coming back. Jefferson had proved it. And well...Daniel wouldn’t want her to be miserable forever.

Regina didn’t want to lie to herself. Jefferson soothed her. She wasn’t sure exactly what it was about him that stirred such feelings inside her. He was handsome. There was no denying it. And that certainly helped. But she was drawn to his spirit more than his appearance, his gentleness, his kindness, the way he spoke to her like she was a person, not just a queen. He was snide. He was pushy. He acted like he was an equal; and, she loved him for that. Love?! Was that...She only meant..It was nice that someone wasn’t scared of her or just sizing her up like she was some delicious morsel to swallow whole. And..He called her Regina. Not your majesty. Not queen. When he stared at her with those sharp blue eyes of his (some of the most beautiful eyes she’d ever seen if she was being perfectly honest), she felt like he was seeing the real her, not some pretty little doll, not some political figurehead; but, just Regina, the scared little noble who wanted to be kind and do the right thing even though she didn’t have the first clue as to what that was.  She knew so very little.  She was lost and confused and still...Jefferson stood beside her, supported her.

She didn’t get to see him as much as she liked. Of course not. He was busy with his travels and she well...She was hardly ever allowed to leave the castle grounds. And when she was granted rare permission, she needed a royal escort...Hardly inconspicuous. And everything she said and did was relayed straight back to Leopold. So...Jefferson had to come to her.

Regina hoped he could visit again soon. Her heart withered away in a place like this. She needed Jefferson’s soothing presence, his sweet words to remind her that kindness did exist, that there were good people out there; and, she could be one of them. She would be one of them! Maybe..Maybe it had been a mistake; but, feeling trapped after everything, she’d decided to marry Leopold. And since she had...She was going to become the queen this kingdom deserved! She was going to learn the politics behind everything and make things better! She just...had to figure out how to start...(At least she had managed to secure Jefferson a royal passport as promised! That was something wasn’t it?!)

The apple tree, the dear friend she’d tended since she was a child, that was her only consolation in this frigid and unwelcoming palace. She quickened her pace, longing to be in its comforting presence as soon as possible. Some time there and her heart would be somewhat restored. She could remember the good in Snow and again come to understand that what happened hadn’t really been her fault. Regina was kind. Daniel had told her so! She just needed to rekindle old feelings. When Regina rescued Snow from that out of control horse, they’d shared a bond. Maybe it was possible she could get that back in time.

A smile played across her lips as she hurried towards her tree, a smile that widened immediately upon recognizing a dashing figure standing beneath it. Her heart leapt in her throat; and, she found herself entirely unable to speak for a moment. She hadn’t realized he was coming that today, that she could see the most important person in her  sheltered little world!

She just stood there for a minute, utterly frozen, eyes shining with glee, amber orbs dangerously close to tears. “Jefferson!” she cried out with unbridled joy when she could finally coax her tongue to move. Without a thought, she sprinted towards him and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. “I’ve missed you so much!” Please...Please let him work his magic like he always did. Let him remind her who she was, what she wanted. Let his tender smile and gentle touch, his warmhearted yet theatrical words bring her peace, bring her bliss, bring her affection and let her believe in the best not just of him but in Snow, in herself, in the world. Bit by bit, her kind heart was crumbling. Daniel wasn’t here anymore. His memory alone couldn’t save her. No...The only one Regina could rely on in this cruel, harsh, unyielding planet was her dear Jefferson. He alone could save her soul, piece her sweet heart back together, preserve it, and make it stronger. She squeezed him more tightly, a few tears brimming in her eyes before spilling over onto his shoulder.

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

Jefferson was unsure how long he had been waiting, though he knew he would willingly wait until the end of time. The dedication he felt in seeing a single person was a rather unfamiliar feeling. His work entailed much traveling, developing allies along the way... but this was the first time he had ever held these kinds of affections for someone. He was hardly fazed by the fact that she was queen or that she was married. To him, she was Regina and that was all that mattered. He looked at her as he saw her approach, finding that her beauty never ceased to amaze him nor did it cease in leaving him in awe as he silently praised her. Of course he hardly wanted to be so revealing of this so instead he smiled upon seeing her. She hurried toward him, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. Ordinarily, Jefferson was not one to engage in such physical contact. But with her, it was different. Everything seemed to be different. She seemed to be the exception. It had apparently been something quickly discovered since he had initiated such contact upon their very first meeting. Placing his hands on her back, he returned the embrace, taking in the feel of her and the emotions she caused to stir within him whenever she was near; particularly whenever he held her in such a manner. "And I you," he admitted, slowly moving back if only to see her face, her exquisite self. He hated that she was so unhappy in this life that was forced upon her. But alas, it was not something he could control. He could only provide her with a means of escapism from him during their encounters. "How long do you have?" He inquired, curious as to how long her over bearing husband allowed her to remain here for. He may as well find out now, knowing that he would have to mentally prepare for a good bye if the freedom granted to her now was brief. He could only imagine how stifling it all was. Especially considering his drastically contrasting lifestyle. One he so desperately wished she could be a part of.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

By the gods...His smile was gorgeous! Every time..It never failed to melt her heart. If there was a word to describe his smile...She’d say it was hope. Hope was such a rare and fleeting thing within these frigid walls. But his smile spoke of promises, of joy. What the promises were...She couldn’t say herself. But she knew he was genuinely glad to see her, her Regina not the queen with power who could grant odd requests and offer sanctuary. Jefferson never seemed to care about her titles. He just..If Regina had to guess, she’d say he wished for her happiness even more than Father did. Such a strange notion...What was it about her that drew him to her so? They hadn’t known each other all that long, just a brief spell, a span of months. And already to her, Jefferson was irreplaceable. She looked forward to nothing so much as his visits.

There were typically two men that occupied her thoughts in a positive fashion. Daniel and Jefferson. And Daniel...She didn’t want to say he was forced to the sidelines. He was so very important,crucial irreplaceable. But he was gone...The more time that passed the more keenly she felt the separation. He stood still while she was pushed forward. With Jefferson...There were new memories. There were brand new stories, tales of adventures of epic proportions involving different worlds even! There were new gestures and new smiles. There was so much to look forward to! He could...He could still hold her, like the way he was now. He didn’t shy away from her touch because she was queen, already claimed; and, because she had an extremely jealous husband. Here he was, returning her hug. The tears just wouldn’t stop. He was the only man willing to talk to her, be near her. Everyone else was too scared of Leopold’s wrath.

Jefferson moved back and the parting was near painful. But the grief was lessened slightly by his insistence that he’d missed her too. Well..Maybe insistence was too strong a word. Like usual, his words were light and airy, whimsical and poetic, truly beautiful to behold. It was like...There was some natural distance about him, a separation, a bubble that couldn’t be penetrated. It wasn’t that he was cold or unfeeling. Now, he was the only person who could stir passion and tenderness within her. And her heart wouldn’t flutter like this. She wouldn’t find it so difficult to breathe when he touched her, when she breathed in his scent if he she didn’t think he cared. But...Sometimes...Alright...Often times...She worried she cared more for him than him for her. Regina was the sort who wore her heart on her sleeve. When she was given the slightest chance, she was open and affectionate. Cruel circumstances had forced her to become sullen and withdrawn. She couldn’t speak of what happened with Daniel to anyone. It would hurt Snow and enrage the king. She had to keep it all to herself. Well...That wasn’t quite true...Jefferson knew of what happened. At her darkest moments, she could confide in him, tell him her genuine thoughts, all the grief and guilt that plagued her.

And he’d listen. He didn’t seem to think her foolish or stupid. Naive maybe...Well that was fair.  She had been. She’d honestly thought marrying Leopold would give her freedom. Now she was more caged than ever. It was suffocating! Really, it was no different than living with Mother! Every moment from dawn until dusk was controlled by him! She chose nothing for herself! And he certainly didn’t care any more for her thoughts!

Regina sighed at his question, smile drooping. “Leopold only allows me an hour in the garden.” Why?! Why must he keep her from the apple tree he knew brought her such comfort?! What exactly did he think she could do in the garden?! Did he want her to be miserable?!  Did he care nothing for her feelings?!

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

Seeing the tears in her eyes compelled him to wipe them away... and he did just that. He raised his hand, his fingers lightly brushing away the tears that fell from her radiant eyes. As much as he loved their time together, he loathed the fact that they were so short... knowing that she was so unhappy in her current life, with her current husband. He knew it was not of her choosing and that made it worse. Trapped in an unwanted life. What crueler fate was there? He let his hand linger on the soft and fair skin of her cheek as he responded to her words. "Then that's sixty minutes that we shan't waste," he told her with a reassuring smile. He wanted to see her smile... wanted to see her find some semblance of happiness in this life. Would she forever be subject to be the wife of such a man, living in such confinement and restriction? "Well, probably fifty-nine by now," he said in jest, but also with truth, as he gave a lighter smile. "Now..." He began to say as he spun himself around with a slightly dramatic flare, positioning himself next to her, moving her arm so that it was linked through his. "Where would you like to go?" He asked. He wanted to take her somewhere. Away from here. Where they could be at total ease with no threat of prying eyes and ears. It was rather handy that he had his hat to enable such a journey, allowing them to return in plenty of time.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

Jefferson’s touch was every bit as soft and tender as she remembered. It was a like a warm blanket being wrapped around her. She could nestle inside it forever. If only she could...But such melancholy thoughts would do her no good. Jefferson was here now. She’d appreciate every last second before the king’s cruel schedule harshly ripped her away from her dear friend and...Yes, it was safer to think of him that way, as a dear friend. Surely he wouldn’t want the trouble of anything more. Not with Leopold being the way he was. And what about Daniel?!

But was there any point in lying to herself? She knew the signs quite well by now thanks to Daniel, the rosy cheeks, the erratic heartbeat, the way thoughts could stray to him at any point in the day. The way she craved his touch. The way his face haunted her dreams. The way she grew excited at the very prospect of seeing him. How she fussed with her hair and her clothes more than usual when she knew he was coming. How she thought so much of pleasing him, of gracing his lips with as smile. The way her fingers burned, yearning to make contact, to run through his hair or caress his cheek. The way she woke up and thought first of him, wondering if today was the day they would meet again. The way how throughout the day when she had a choice to make her thoughts would drift to him and what he’d prefer, how he’d respond. The way she tried to think up fun and clever things to tell him next time they met...Didn’t it all add up to one thing?

Why?! How...How could this man so completely stir her trembling soul?! He cloud everything! With him...She was happy. But...She didn’t know what was right or wrong! It had only been a few months since Daniel’s passing! How would Daniel feel if he could read Regina’s heart?! Would he think her a traitor, someone so easily changeable and unreliable, inconsistent?! No! He wouldn’t be like that would he?! Hadn’t Regina fallen in love with him because of his kindness, his sweet heart?! Wouldn’t he want Regina to be happy after everything?! He’d told her to marry Leopold when he thought that would please her, give her everything she wanted.

He was a fool to think that way! Regina cared nothing for riches. Greed wasn’t her problem. All she wanted was to be loved and understood, held and cared for. She longed for someone to appreciate her thoughts and ideas, her very nature. But...In the end had Daniel not understood? How could he think she’d ever choose someone else over him? But here...Jefferson seemed to understand. He knew Regina wasn’t happy here. And..he seemed a little less naive than Daniel. Daniel had truly believed that if Regina explained things to Mother, she’d accept them. He really thought Mother cared about Regina’s feelings.

“It’s not your life after everything I’ve sacrificed. It’s mine.” She’d told Regina that quite clearly before...No! She wouldn’t go there! She didn’t want to remember! Why did she have to remember so clearly?! That scene was forever etched in her mind and heart.

Mother stood upright in the stables. She appeared stoic, same as always. Yes, that had never failed to irritate Regina. No matter what intense argument the two were having, no matter what was going on, Mother’s expression rarely shifted. After she’d coldly and callously ripped Daniel’s heart from his chest just after saying that a parent must always do what was best for their child, her eyes had never grown moist. The smallest hint of remorse or regret didn’t mar her features. She’d stood there, holding the dust that was left of his heart, carelessly letting it slip through her fingers to the straw beneath, face as firm and resolute as ever. As Regina wept and cradled her lost love, kissed those lips that were still warm, Mother hadn’t betrayed any sign of emotion. She’d had the gall to tell Regina to stop crying and pull herself together because she had a wedding to prepare for. Mother’s emotions, if she had any, were difficult to decipher. No...Mother did have at least some. Her frustration with Regina was proof of that.

No..Why?! Why was she thinking like this?! But more importantly...Why had she done what Mother wanted after she’d finally been given a choice, a say in her future?! But...She just hadn’t known what else to do. And so she’d traded one prison for another. The faces changed. But really...In terms of freedom, there was little difference.

She leaned into Jefferson’s touch and tried to think of more pleasant things. Jefferson was here now. He always made everything better, soothing her wavering heart.

Even when her tears were gone, Jefferson kept his hand on her cheek. It felt so warm. She closed her eyes to better appreciate the gesture. If he could just stay here like this forever, she knew she could be happy.

Bright amber orbs blinked up at him, filled with hope when he said they wouldn’t waste their limited time, his smile emboldening her. She echoed the expression, eyes lighting up as a smile tugged at her lips, cheeks tinging pink.

“Don’t say fifty-nine! I won’t accept that!” she said stubbornly, trying to keep her expression firm. It was a losing battle. At his lighter smile, her lips curled upwards and any illusion of fierceness was quickly shattered. “I’m getting a whole hour with you!” she insisted. “And it starts now!” She didn’t care if Leopold threw a fit! She wanted her 60 minutes with him, all of it!

Her eyes followed him as she spun. His energy was always a breath of fresh air. And although she could tire of Rumple’s dramatics, spending a great deal of time training with him, Jefferson’s were special. They had a hint of Rumple; but, they were their own unique form. And Regina loved them to death like she..No! She wouldn’t think it! It was too dangerous for Jefferson! And she doubted he’d appreciate it! She didn’t even know how he felt about her!

Before she knew what was happening, his arm was linked through hers and her heart skyrocketed. It pounded so loudly in her chest she was sure he must hear it! But he was so close, holding her like this. Yes, this touch was more casual but..They were still holding arms! To her...It was significant.

Regina was positively radiant, grinning from ear to ear, glowing when Jefferson asked where she wanted to go. “Could you take me somewhere with your hat?!” she breathed. Even if it was just for a little bit, she longed to get away, go somewhere private, some place just for the two of them. And...She’d come to love magic. And she found Jefferson’s work especially magnificent. Seeing him activate the hat never failed to make her smile or even laugh. It was...truly incredible. Jefferson was brilliant.

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

How he loved to see her smile. The kind she held now as their arms were linked with one another's. It was a radiant expression and he wished she could wear it more often. She did, when they were in each other's company but he was not naive nor a fool. He knew that in her life, in her marriage, she found a genuine smile staining to even feign. "Far be it from me to argue with that," he said teasingly upon her insistence. Not that he would want to argue. The more time he had with her, the better. He knew it was selfish, for claiming her company was risky for her. But he couldn't help it. He was drawn to her. Captivated by her. And as much as he tried to ignore the feelings that had stirred within him upon their initial meeting.... he couldn't deny them. Logic dictated he should, but his heart disallowed it. And he was going with that... thinking with his heart rather than his mind. "We can go wherever your heart desires," he told her. "We have the world... no, we have the worlds at our disposal," he corrected, waving his free hand out in front of them to emphasize just how vast their journey could be. "So where shall it be? Agrabah? Arendelle? Wonderland?" Just to name a few of the many places they could easily venture to. He was not at all fan of Wonderland but he would go there for her. Hell, he would go just about anywhere for her. Besides, just places allowed them, or well her, anonymity. In neighboring kingdoms, there was a risk she could be easily recognized.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

“That’s right! No arguing with a queen!” she teased him. She could playfully throw her title around with Jefferson because he didn’t take it seriously. He saw her for the woman she was not the man she married. He didn’t care about her riches or her influence (which was pretty much non-existent at this point in time since Leopold didn’t want her to get involved with anything), but her thoughts and opinions, her heart. It was liberating, using the word queen not to try and force involvement in politics that she should be a part of to begin with but just to...have fun! In the palace, fun was a pipe dream. Regina could only enjoy herself, be herself when Jefferson paid her a visit. She was so lucky! They’d only met by chance! If he hadn’t come in at just the right moment, how bleak her life would have been! She had to wonder...Would she have ended things already if it hadn’t been for him? But...Such grim thoughts didn’t suit her not when Jefferson was near! Her happiness now might need to sustain her for months! So no gloomy thoughts allowed! Only smiles and laughter!

“Wherever my heart desires?” she echoed eagerly. He was too sweet! She wasn’t even allowed to pick what food they had for supper! Even her dresses were selected by someone else, attendants Leopold had hand picked himself.  (He had very particular tastes.) But here...Jefferson was giving her a choice, saying they could go wherever she wanted!

Worlds?! She’d witnessed it herself; but, it was still hard to believe his hat could take him to different worlds, 17 to be exact! She knew because each door lead to a new place. And she’d breathlessly counted them herself, eyes filled with wonder. Seventeen worlds! And here he was saying she could choose any one, any one at all!

Regina chuckled at the mention of Wonderland. “But you hate it!” He’d mentioned it before; and, when Jefferson spoke Regina listened and remembered. She’d love nothing more than to listen to him all day. He had the best stories to tell! And his voice...She just wanted to nestle up inside it.

“Don’t worry! I don’t want to go to Wonderland!” Maybe one day she’d see it for herself. But now...She’d rather not. Regina had trapped Mother there after all. She..She couldn’t kill her or even hurt her just to free herself. The best thing she could do was send her away. And she really didn’t want to run into her again! That meeting would be...far less than pleasant.

“Well..I stumbled across something in one of the books in the library. There’s apparently this world called Neverland! I hear it’s wonderful! There’s a beautiful beach and you can make all your wishes come true just by imagining things!” Oh she must sound like such a silly little girl gushing like this, eyes glistening with anticipation! But..It sounded so magnificent!

“Can your hat take us there?!”

[Jefferson]

holding conflicting realities in

He smiled with amusement as she teasingly told him not to argue with the queen. Her rank had never been something he'd acknowledged. Not out of any disrespect but more so because Jefferson didn't really emphasize status. He looked more toward others as his clients. Though of course, she was no client. She was far, far more than that. She repeated his words, seeming to try and decide where they could venture to today. She pointed out that he hated Wonderland, which he did. "Ah, but you may not," he stated. He was willing to go there, for her, if she so wished to explore it. She assured him that she didn't want to go to that particular place, and he hoped it wasn't because of him. He found himself wanting to give her everything she desired... though knew the limitations were abundant. She began to describe having read about Neverland, one of the places he had not mentioned yet one they could indeed journey to through his hat. "Neverland it is!" He announced, starting to take the hat of his head but paused before hand. "I warn you though, it's quite different than how it may be described in the books. Ever since Pan took control, it's changed." Fortunately, Jefferson had a decent rapport with Pan. Otherwise he would never have agreed to take her there knowing that it could be dangerous. But Jefferson's neutral and unaligned state allowed him to have many that... weren't exactly allies, but weren't enemies either. They were just, connections. "Stay close to me," he told her as he tossed his hat onto the ground. The object began to spin as the purple pigment exuded from it, creating a portal. He then gripped her hand in his, not wanting to waste any time. "Ready?" He asked her, slightly raising his voice so that she could hear him over the noise of the hat opening up the desired portal.

your head will drive you mad

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[regina2]

His amused smile never failed to brighten her day. But then his mere presence did that. She adored every one of his facial expressions. Well...She supposed that wasn’t fair. She’d seen a range of smiles. But to her, it seemed he did little more than smile when he was with her. He was either smiling or being theatrical or both. He really was a breath of fresh air in this stagnating, smothering palace. When he was near, the whole world seemed to glisten and glimmer. Everything was bathed in a golden glow, crisp and new. Not literally of course. Technically speaking, the garden looked the same as it always did. It was her perspective that shifted. With him here, she saw everything through...How did that expression go? Rose colored glasses?

Jefferson really was the sweetest person she knew! He detested Wonderland but was willing to visit for her sake! “I’ve never been there,” she confessed. “But you’re not the only one who doesn’t like it. Rumple said it was one annoying little world.” That’s what he’d told her when he’d given Regina the portal, the one she’d pushed Mother through to free herself, give her a new life. Why...Why had she even bothered? She married Leopold anyways and was now as trapped as ever.

“But I don’t think it’s a good idea to go there. You see..Mother...” She nervously bit her lip, trying to figure out how to best explain it. She wasn’t sure why exactly she felt the need to tell him. But somehow...This wasn’t something she wanted to keep secret from him.

“I didn’t want to do it! I really didn’t! But...Mother...Well...I...In the vaults I told you before she was a monster and...I just..I couldn’t live with her anymore and Rumplestiltskin...he gave me this mirror to help....Really, if there was another way...But..You don’t understand! She had barrier spells! She wouldn’t let me leave even after she...” Regina shook at the memory, Mother standing over Daniel, heart clenched in her fist, pounding it into dust.

Regina took a deep breath and quickly moved her fingers to her eyes to brush away the tears that were brimming, threatening to spill over. Jefferson was here! Now wasn’t the time for sorrow!

“In any case, I sent her to Wonderland. I...If she found me..I don’t know what she do but...” She shivered. “When..When she thought I’d spoken out of turn or when I did something she didn’t approve of...She’d hurt me with her magic to try and force me to obey her. So if she saw me again after this......” She didn’t think there was a need to finish. He should understand things would end poorly, very poorly!

Regina beamed when Jefferson told her they’d go to Neverland, quickly pushing all thoughts of Mother straight out of her head. She wouldn’t dwell there today! She was going to enjoy herself with Jefferson! No one made her feel the way he did!

Jefferson started to take his hat off but then paused to offer a warning. “Pan?” she asked curiously. The name didn’t sound familiar.

He told her to stay close and Regina immediately moved closer, timidly extending an arm for him to take, hoping she wasn’t being too forward.

Her whole face lit up when he tossed the hat and it began to spin, exuding purple smoke. And when Jefferson grabbed her hand, she squeezed it, grin widening. Nothing comforted her so much as his touch! She loved being close to him like this!

“Ready!” she cheered, laughing at the wonder that was his hat and his magic and the adventure that was soon to follow.