Once Upon A Time (Tv series) TEA TIME! I CAN'T BE LATE FOR TEA! ~PAFP~ Jump In!

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    [align=center]Jefferson glanced sideways as he drained the water from the sink, cleaning out the remaining soap bubbles that remained. He watched Dylan as she subconsciously dried the dishes he had left to just sit for who knows how long. He smiled faintly, unable to control it. They were like partners in crime, teammates. Something along those lines at least. He couldn't help but wonder how long Dylan would stick around after this whole ordeal was over. There was plenty of room in his mansion..but who was to say he would even be staying there if the curse was broken. Would one of the higher authorities take it? Like a queen or a princess? Maybe even a prince. He didn't like thinking about losing his home. But if it meant being with Grace? He could live in a cardboard box for all he cared.


    At Dylan's next few words, it really made Jefferson think. Where would he like to go? He squinted, making it obvious he was thinking hard about it. He shook his head, trying to focus. "Well..." He started, his eyes trailing away from Dylan and back to the freshly washed sink. "The Enchanted Forest.." He finally answered, answering with a certain amount of positivity. He knew exactly where he wanted to go back to. Home. His little shack in the woods he lived in. The woods he would take Grace out into and teach her how to pick the correct mushrooms to take to market and sell. A safe place to raise a child away from the cruel world. A beatuiful place to live, even if it was in poverty.


    Jefferson turned away from Dylan, leaving the kitchen abruptly when she asked about how they were planning to break the curse. He didn't speak, because in all honesty? He didn't know. He bit his lip, scanning the living room before turning to face the kitchen again. It seemed his movements got more spastic when he was nervous. "Its late..and we've got a big day tomorrow.." He piped up, answering nothing even close to what she had asked. He moved towards the kitchen again, taking her hand and practically pulling her towards the stairs that led to the bedrooms up above.

    [fancypost borderwidth= 0px; background: url(https://45.media.tumblr.com/f0…eyl617v91qfyjoto1_500.gif); width: 465px; height: 200px; background-position: center;][/fancypost][fancypost borderwidth= 0px; width: 465px; margin-top: -23px; margin-bottom: -23px; text-shadow: 2px 2px black, 1px -1px black, -1px 1px black, -1px -1px black;]I've been broken but I'm better everyday [/fancypost]


    [align=center]She wasn't surprised when Jefferson's answer happened to be The Enchanted Forest. Back to where he had originally lived his life before The Queen had come along to rip that all away from him. If the choice had been up to her, she would have chosen to journey home as well. Only, broken curse or not, she would never be able to go back. Her home wasn't something that existed any longer nor would it ever, so such a wish was unattainable. When all this was done, when they had achieved Grace and ended this curse, Dylan would be returning to her little apartment in the city. That was with certainty.


    For a long moment, she remained silent as she waited for an answer from Jefferson. But his more abrupt actions caught her off guard as he left the kitchen the moment she mentioned breaking the curse. So it looked as though her thoughts had been correct. Jefferson knew how to break this curse just as well as Dylan did. However, they were supposed to get time ticking again, and return everyone's memories of who they truly were to them, was entirely unknown. Oddly now, fixing the hat almost seemed to be the easiest part of all of this madness. That she could imagine doing, as all they needed to attain was one single item. But to break the curse... that would take a little more effort.


    As Jefferson took hold of her hand to pull her forwards, Dylans gaze widened slightly as she was once again caught off guard by the man's actions. But she did keep up with him as he moved, with her curiosity now directed towards where she would be spending the night. Really, she would have been completely content with the couch, as anything was better than a chair. Something that had left her entire body feeling a little stiff and sore. "I guess so." Dylan responded softly, choosing to leave the matter of the curse untouched for now. They could talk about it tomorrow, or whenever the occasion arose. First things first, above all, was to reach out to Regina's son, Henry.

    [align=center]Jefferson knew she was probably sore from being tied to a chair most of the day, the excitement alone was enough to make himself tired. He couldn't imagine how sleepy Dylan must be. He wanted her to have somewhere comfortable to sleep, somewhere she could relax her aching muscles. She deserved the best after all. He kept all this to himself of course, making it seem like a nonchalant thing, but deep down, he really cared, and had carefully planned out where she would be sleeping.


    He ended up choosing a room directly across from his own, as if he wanted to keep her close by, but not so close that she didn't have her own space. The room looked to be the second master bedroom, having its own bathroom branching off of it. The bed was huge with privacy drapes that could be hung down and hide the entire bed, forming a square of privacy. The sheets and bedcover was red and black, trimmed with fancy designs. The floor was carpet that went to tile at the doorway into the bathroom. In the center of the room was a large rug with intriguing designs. "I hope this will suit you..." Jefferson said once he had stepped into the room with her.


    Jefferson noticed his hand still holding onto Dylan's and decided to let go. His movement was quick, as if he was embarrassed for keeping it in his own longer than needed. He cleared his throat and glanced around as if to check the room over, almost as if to check and make sure everything was in order for Dylan to be staying there for the night. He moved back slightly, stepping just outside the room. He wanted to make sure she had her own space, he also wanted her to see that it was all hers. "If you need anything...anything at all!" He pointed behind him to an open door "My room is right here.."

    [fancypost borderwidth= 0px; background: url(https://45.media.tumblr.com/f0…eyl617v91qfyjoto1_500.gif); width: 465px; height: 200px; background-position: center;][/fancypost][fancypost borderwidth= 0px; width: 465px; margin-top: -23px; margin-bottom: -23px; text-shadow: 2px 2px black, 1px -1px black, -1px 1px black, -1px -1px black;]I've been broken but I'm better everyday [/fancypost]


    [align=center]Dylan followed after Jefferson closely as he led her up the stairs. Of course, holding hands with him made it difficult for her to fall behind at all, which she supposed was the purpose behind such an act. But what reason did he have for the act of kindness he extended towards her next? It was surprising, seeing as she would have been perfectly content with just any soft flat surface, but the room Jefferson introduced her to reached far beyond her expectations. Only because she had never seen such a bedroom in the entire eighteen years she had been alive - and that was a fact written clearly across her features as her eyes widened and her jaw dropped open only slightly.


    When Jefferson said he hoped this room would suit her, she honestly wasn't sure how to respond. This had clearly been the last thing she'd expected. Sure, herself and Jefferson had broken the barriers of the relationship between kidnapper and hostage, but to think he'd lend her a room in his house, let alone one such as this, now that just wasn't the type of kindness she was accustom to. "This room... is almost bigger than my apartment." She responded after a moment's hesitation, only to regain her composure as she let her gaze trail off to Jefferson. "I-I mean, I would have been fine with the couch-" It almost felt like accepting his offer was too much. But she supposed that living alone, all of these rooms were just spaces needing to be filled. Maybe Jefferson didn't even register just how surprising this act might have been. "-Thank you." Dylan finished after a moment, her eyes lighting up in that same way they always did when she was truly being genuine herself.


    She couldn't imagine asking him for anything else. After all, this was all so strangely new to her that she wasn't even quite sure how to grasp it. Really she was still recovering from the whole "The town is cursed and I need to fix my magic hat to travel to another world" thing - so her thoughts weren't entirely straight. But the moment he offered... one thing did happen to come to mind. "Actually... I could use a change of clothes." Dylan murmured thoughtfully as she glanced down, tugging at the base of her own shirt as she recalled these were the same clothes she had worn when she'd driven into this town. It felt strange to ask, as she couldn't imagine Jefferson owning anything but his own clothes. Really though, she would settle for anything as long as she could get out of these ones and find something more... appropriate - for sleeping.

    [align=center]Jefferson noted the shocked face Dylan's face held as she saw the room he had willingly given her. She almost seemed to radiate with shock. Maybe she didn't like it..? Jefferson imaged the worst. He bit his lip, looking nervously at her as she spoke of her apartment size and how she would have settle for the couch rather than the room. Was it that bad..? The innocent look appeared on his face again as he gazed at Dylan nervously..but then..she thanked him..? He blinked, perking up slightly, his shoulders lifting them their slumped position. "Y-You like it..? Oh it's no trouble at all..it's all yours..!" He hurriedly added, offering Dylan a small smile.


    So she did like it! She was simply shocked by the fact that it was larger than the place she had lived in as a whole. That was something Jefferson couldn't imagine, at least not anymore. He used to live in a tiny place, a shack with his daughter and wife. Now he lived in a mansion. He would rather have a full, tiny house than a large, empty one. He bit his lip once more, going deep into his own thoughts again. Would he ever have a family again..?


    Jefferson lifted his head as she requested only one thing from him. New clothes. He didn't even have Grace's clothes, let alone any female ones. He pondered this for a moment, guessing she wouldn't mind. She wasn't a very feminine person anyways, appearing to be more tomboyish that some girly girl that liked dresses and night gowns. Lucky for him, he did have his own clothes. He hurried off into the room across from Dylan's own. He went to a dresser that was placed diagonal in the corner by the window. He dug around inside one of the drawers before he pulled out a navy blue shirt. It was plain, just a simply t-shirt. He left the drawer open in his haste to return to Dylan. He held out the shirt proudly, smiling softly "Maybe this will do...?" He spoke gently as he innocently peered at her from behind the shirt he had outstretched. Lucky for Dylan, Jefferson was rather tall, and she was rather short, which meant that his shirt came down to her lower thighs, almost her knee caps.

    [fancypost borderwidth= 0px; background: url(https://45.media.tumblr.com/f0…eyl617v91qfyjoto1_500.gif); width: 465px; height: 200px; background-position: center;][/fancypost][fancypost borderwidth= 0px; width: 465px; margin-top: -23px; margin-bottom: -23px; text-shadow: 2px 2px black, 1px -1px black, -1px 1px black, -1px -1px black;]I've been broken but I'm better everyday [/fancypost]


    [align=center]It was impossible not to notice that Jefferson almost seemed disappointed by her shock. That was - until she thanked him. It looked like he'd been concerned that she actually wouldn't like such an offer. That this wouldn't be enough to please her. She could only imagine that this came from an extended sentence of loneliness. He'd went so long without having someone around that maybe he'd forgotten what people were like. Or maybe he just happened to be around all the wrong ones. Either way, Dylan was grateful for his offer. If anything, it only helped confirmed her suspicions about Jefferson. He wasn't a bad person at heart. That first vibe she had been given from him seemed to have been truthful. He possessed hatred, and could easily be snapped into a mindset that opposed the one she faced now. But that didn't mean he wasn't a good guy. He was only lost, having succumbed to darker emotions through the loss of his daughter, his wife, and through this whole curse.


    She had already assumed that Jefferson wouldn't have any woman's clothes - which frankly - she was a little grateful for. When it came to what a usual girl her age may wear to bed, Dylan seemed to be an outlier. So when Jefferson returned with a very simple, oversized t-shirt. One of his shirts at that - she was truly content. From her experience nightgowns were horribly uncomfortable. Besides, he seemed so discretely proud to be passing it over to her that she couldn't deny the offer. But she also could help when the lazy smirk that had been resting upon her features suddenly transformed into yet another discretely warm smile. "Perfect." Dylan chimed as she arched a brow and gently took the shirt from Jefferson. Now at least she had something to change into so she wouldn't have to stay in her clothes any longer.


    "So tomorrow then... we'll find Henry and go from there." She murmured thoughtfully, her gaze more reassuring than it was thoughtful as she raised her eyes to meet Jeffersons gaze. "And in case you were wondering-" She added a little more softly, taking into consideration that this had to have crossed Jeffersons mind at least once. "I'd like to stay as long as it takes to get Grace back." That had been her original reason for getting sucked into this whole thing. She hadn't even been certain she had been his daughter to begin with, which was one of the things that led her to believe Jefferson was a maniac. But now she could see it. And she wished to reunite him with his daughter, the way a younger version of herself would have desired to have been reunited with hers.

    [align=center]Jefferson watched Dylan's features, noting that she seemed pleased. His gaze softened, his heart feeling all...warm. He didn't understand this feeling he had, at least he didn't think so. Maybe he just hadn't had it in so long that he had forgotten what it felt like. He couldn't pin point the feeling, but he felt all warm and fuzzy inside. Happy. He smiled softly, seeming pleased to have her in his company. Just to know somebody was a resident in his mansion, directly across from his room at that, it made him happy, it made him feel like he wasn't so alone anymore.


    At the promise Dylan made, Jefferson's heart gave a leap, nearly jumping out of his chest. His eyes widened just faintly, his mouth opening to speak, yet no words came. He was rendered speechless. Nobody had ever promised something like that to him before. It gave him reassurance, hope, peace. His eyes showed all the emotions he was feeling deep inside. His heart was a flutter, his mind a wreck. He was blinded by the hope Dylan had presented him with. He couldn't help what he did next. He hurried forward and gave her a big hug, clinging to her. "Thank you...." He whispered into her ear as he clung to her before he suddenly let go and hurried away, just like that.


    Jefferson vanished into his room. The door shutting him behind him in his haste. What had he just done? Why had he done it? Now his heart really was pounding. Did he do the wrong thing? Was he coming in too strong? Then again, was he even coming on at all? He didn't mean to be, they were nothing but friends, friends on a mission. Partners even. They just had to find his Grace and break the spell, then Dylan would leave and he would never see her again...would he? He didn't like thinking about that, but if he had Geace, nothing else mattered...right? He shook his thoughts away as he crawled into his bed, glancing towards his window.

    [fancypost borderwidth= 0px; background: url(https://45.media.tumblr.com/f0…eyl617v91qfyjoto1_500.gif); width: 465px; height: 200px; background-position: center;][/fancypost][fancypost borderwidth= 0px; width: 465px; margin-top: -23px; margin-bottom: -23px; text-shadow: 2px 2px black, 1px -1px black, -1px 1px black, -1px -1px black;]I've been broken but I'm better everyday [/fancypost]


    [align=center]Dylan was caught off guard as Jefferson closed the distance between them rather quickly only to pull her into an abrupt hug. Immediately a more flustered look of surprise overcame her, as she wasn't used to physical contact - let alone someone displaying such gratitude. She believed what she was doing was the right thing. And the more she traveled down this path the more right it felt to her. Maybe it was strange. Completely and utterly insane at that. But when she thought about refusing to help, to simply get in her car and leave, it left her with this sinking feeling. Now that she was involved she knew she couldn't go home. Not until she saw this to the end. Then and only then would she be able to accept the journey back which would be painfully long if she never got to witness Jeffersons happy ending. Really, she couldn't explain what was rooting her here to this place and his story, but whatever it was it was powerful. The same sort of thing that had coaxed her into her car and all the way out here.


    When Jefferson left just as abruptly as he had embraced her, he happened to leave Dylan behind with a look of confusion scrawled across her features. For a long moment, she was frozen in place, unable to move as his actions had truly phased her. But once she did manage to take a step in the other direction, it was towards the bathroom so that she could shower and change out of the clothes she'd been sporting. Had Jefferson been embarrassed by his own actions? Now that seemed like a drastic change from the confident and menacing man she had witnessed the night prior. But she supposed what she saw now was a more... genuine version of Jefferson.


    After some time, Dylan had returned to the actual bedroom. Now sporting the oversized t-shirt Jefferson had lent her, with her damp hair being left loose. She hadn't really noticed how much she'd been craving a hot shower, let alone a nice long rest after the havoc her little road trip had presented her with. She'd been drugged, kidnapped, tied up, introduced to a world of fairytales, met The Mad Hatter who had then introduced her to The Evil Queen, and at last had come back to his mansion only to cook up a warm meal and stay willingly. This was by far the most adventure-paced day she'd ever had, and she couldn't imagine that the days to follow would be much different. In fact, as she crawled into bed, her immediate thought was that all of this, was just the beginning.

    [align=center]Footsteps, running water, these were the things Jefferson heard before he drifted into his own deep sleep on his own large bed. He could only imagine what tomorrow would bring, but he hoped whatever happened, he hoped it would be for the better. He didn't dream at all, though occasionally he would wake up, look around, listen, then return back to sleep. He was sure Dylan wouldn't need him in the middle of the night, yet he still would lay awake for a moment, listening for her. She seemed okay, so far at least. He eventually fell asleep for more hours than he had slept in probably an entire week. He never really rated, why would he when he had so much to accomplish? To try and gain? Now he didn't have to worry about facing it alone. Now he had some help.


    Jefferson awoke to the sun shining through his window, at least the sunrise. It wasn't yet morning, probably 6:30, but Jefferson got up all the same. He stumbled out of bed sleepily, rubbing at his eyes. He was about to be stricken with loneliness, then he remember he had a guest in the next room! His eyes brightened a little, and he was fully awake in no time. Some days he wouldn't even leave his bed, but what kind of example would that give Dylan? He quickly grabbed a change of clothes and went to his own bathroom. There, Jefferson took a long shower, cleaning himself up real nice before getting dressed and heading downstairs, making sure to tip toe past Dylan's room.


    Once downstairs, Jefferson went straight into the kitchen. He would make Dylan breakfast! It was the least he could do. He brought out the eggs and some toast, deciding on scrambled eggs and toast with jam. It wasn't the best, but it was all he knew to make. His cooking skills weren't the best to say the least. He greased up the pan before setting it on the stove eye. While the eye heated, he broke some eggs into a bowl, mixing them up with a fork until they were all scrambled. He then poured them into the sizzling pan and began to stir them around with the spatula. While the eggs cooked, he started putting the toast in the toaster and getting the butter and grape jelly out. He hoped Dylan would like all this..

    [fancypost borderwidth= 0px; background: url(https://45.media.tumblr.com/f0…eyl617v91qfyjoto1_500.gif); width: 465px; height: 200px; background-position: center;][/fancypost][fancypost borderwidth= 0px; width: 465px; margin-top: -23px; margin-bottom: -23px; text-shadow: 2px 2px black, 1px -1px black, -1px 1px black, -1px -1px black;]I've been broken but I'm better everyday [/fancypost]


    [align=center]As faint rays of morning light filtered through the window - the sun warmed Dylans face as she slept with it partially burrowed into a pillow. Usually, her nights were long, dreary, and often consisted of a series of nightmares until morning came along. But last night she had been so utterly exhausted when she'd crawled into bed that for what felt like the first time in forever she had actually slept through the night. As to how that had happened, she wasn't quite sure. It was probably the very same thing that had caused her nightmares to have been replaced by... well... a very strange dream.


    After some time, the smell of eggs happened to reach Dylan, followed by the sound of someone moving around downstairs. For a long moment, she simply remained in place, nuzzling her face further into the pillow in this state of serene comfort before recalling that she lived alone. It was then that Dylan slowly but cautiously rose, confusion washing over her as her narrowed gaze darted around the unfamiliar room. Of course, for an instant, she was panicked by her surroundings, but gradually she came to the realization that what she had originally deemed to be a dream, had all been true. She had actually met The Mad Hatter - Jefferson, and the reason she had not immediately recognized this living space was because it wasn't hers, but rather a room in his mansion that he was lending out to her.


    Releasing a soft sigh, Dylan relaxed her shoulders as a feeling of relief overcame her. Followed by a rather surprising feeling of... warmth. She felt almost secure here... safe in this place despite how unfamiliar both its winding halls and the man who owned it were to her. Now this confused her enough, but as to what Jefferson was up to - now that was the only thing that intrigued her enough to actually coax her out of bed. She didn't take the time to get dressed, seeming to let the concept pass over her head in her tired state as she moved down the hall only to ease her way silently down the stairs. As to why she was being so quiet, she supposed she wanted to catch a glimpse of what he was doing without distracting him. Which resulted in her peering around the corner, resting her hand against the entry to the kitchen only to find that Jefferson was... cooking? Now that was quite the sight to see. Especially from someone who lived off a steady diet of turkey sandwiches and soup. Someone who didn't even normally eat breakfast. But if he always skipped the meal, why on earth was he up so early, cooking? She hadn't imagined Jefferson would be a morning person. But then again, this was really the most human she had seen of him. Besides, he looking almost happy as he went about his morning. Something that suited him rather well.


    "Jefferson?" Dylan murmured after a moment, her voice rising a little more softly due to her groggy morning nature. Really, she herself was a terrible morning person. "Funny... I didn't imagine you'd be a morning person." She hummed as she leaned against the wall, curiosity and confusion both prominent in her gaze. "What are you doing?" She asked after a moment more of watching.

    [align=center]Jefferson couldn't beileve it, but he was actually enjoying himself! He never was really a morning person, then again, he usually never even slept. If he thought too long about it, he could make a list of bad things he did that destroyed his health. He guessed it never mattered when his mental health was fading faster than his physical health. He wondered if he would ever fully recover, or if he could be half the man he used to be. He bit his lip, worried that maybe he would fail, maybe he would never recover, but he knew this was only crazy thinking, his mind fooling him. It would be okay, he knew it would. He resumed to his happier mind set, wanting to keep his morning happy.


    By the time Dylan was peering in without making her presence known, Jefferson was back to his happy state, his doubts gone, his mind focusing on the cooking he was attempting. Key word being attempting. He was humming a little even, the deep, yet soft tone of his voice reaching Dylan's ears. He had no idea she was even awake, he hadn't heard her. The fact he could still hum happy tunes proved just how strong he was. He wasn't done fighting yet, not until he got to hold his precious little girl again. He even wore a smile on his face as he got plates from the open cabinets.


    Jefferson jumped when he heard Dylan's voice coming from the doorway into the kitchen. He nearly dropped the plates as he whipped around, eyes slightly wide. His humming was cut short, his heart sent into a quick racing state. He moved back slightly, putting a hand to his chest to try and relieve his beating heart "D-Dylan...! Y-You're awake..! I-I wasn't expecting you..!" He stammered, looking embarrassed. "I was.." He looked down at the plates in his hand "cooking..breakfast for you.." He glanced away, looking back at her, only just peeking.

    [fancypost borderwidth= 0px; background: url(https://45.media.tumblr.com/f0…eyl617v91qfyjoto1_500.gif); width: 465px; height: 200px; background-position: center;][/fancypost][fancypost borderwidth= 0px; width: 465px; margin-top: -23px; margin-bottom: -23px; text-shadow: 2px 2px black, 1px -1px black, -1px 1px black, -1px -1px black;]I've been broken but I'm better everyday [/fancypost]


    [align=center]It took a moment, but Dylan eventually stepped barefoot into the kitchen. Slowly she seemed to take everything in, sleep still clinging to her gently like a blanket. Of course, when she was good and awake, the more energized counterpart to who she was in the morning would take over and once more she would be just as headstrong and stubborn as she usually was. For now, she simply seemed calm, curious, and maybe even a little confused as her gaze flickered back to Jefferson. It was hard to conceal her emotions in her current state, so the surprise his actions ignited within her was as clear as day. "You were... cooking for me?" She repeated slowly, blinking softly as she tilted her head slightly. "Why are you doing that?" She asked after a moment when the entire act of it all seemed to have registered. This was certainly new to her. To wake up to a meal already being cooked with the intent behind it being to present to her. In fact, if she had to guess, no one had really cooked for her like this since the fire.


    After a moment, Dylan eased her way onto the barstool on the opposite side of the island. However, the entire time her gaze remained resting in a relaxed manner upon Jefferson. He had seemed embarrassed that she'd happened to catch him. But really, she was fortunate that she had. His carefree humming, his contented smile, these were all such pure traits that suited him so well. Yet they seemed so uncommon on his features. It was strange - really - how he could take on the role of such a gentle person only to turn around and naturally become dark and menacing at the blink of an eye. Oddly enough, she was sort of glad to have seen both sides to him. "You seem quite happy this morning." She pointed out after a moment, only for a crooked half-smile to then lazily dance across her lips. "Sorry to have startled you out of it." She added, a little late in response to Jefferson having nearly dropped everything he was holding when she'd spoken his name. His hum had been rather soothing to listen to beforehand.


    It was impossible not to think this man had a daughter. He definitely seemed to have an air of gentleness that only came from such experience. But all the same, she was a little surprised to see that this side to him hadn't been completely obliterated throughout the years of loneliness. Watching his daughter through a telescope as she looked up to another father. Add in there having been betrayed by the queen, beheaded, torn from his home, and deemed a madman. Well, she most certainly wouldn't have been able to uphold her kindness through such events - let alone her sanity. If all of this was true, she could easily see why he had gone through such extremes to stop her from leaving Storybrooke. Perhaps they hadn't been the right actions, but with all he had went through she could easily excuse that one incident.


    [align=center]Jefferson opened his mouth, then closed it. It was as if he was turning answers over in his warped mind of his. He squinted, something he seemed to do when he was concentrating. He glanced at Dylan, breaking the content stare he had on the plates he had almost dropped, which he now set on the counter before him, beside the toaster. "Why not...?" He countered, not seeing any reason why he should allow his guest to wake up and cook her own meal in a strangers house. That just didn't seem like something a good host would allow. "I hope it's okay with you.." He added, glancing at her as he placed a pile of scrambled eggs on her plate, along with two pieces of toast. He then set the plate in front of the bar stool, picking up a tea cup and setting it beside the plate. He had made tea earlier that morning, now that was something he could make. "I think you'll find my tea quite delicious without the taste of sleeping pills.." He joked lightly, a smirk crossing his face. A playful one, not as menacing as his other side had betrayed.


    He couldn't help but notice she was still in her "pjs", which happened to be his shirt. She had tugged a blanket along with her it seemed, and she was quite groggy, making her less stubborn. He had to admit that he liked seeing this side of Dylan, it almost was like another person, yet at the same time, it wasn't. She was still Dylan, the stubborn, strong-headed girl he had kidnapped that night, but she portrayed different emotions, as if the walls she had built around her inner self had been lowered. Jefferson simply shrugged as she mentioned his happiness "If Henry can help us...we will be one step closer to finding out how to break the curse and bring back magic.." He smiled at the mention of getting his Grace back, which would be a result of everything else being put into place.


    "Speaking of which..we better hurry if we want to catch him before he gets too far along the route.." Jefferson added as he picked up his own plate. Strangely enough, there was no food on it. He simply stood across from Dylan's spot with a full sized plate before him. On that plate rested one single object. A tea cup. It seemed that was what he had chosen for his breakfast, even though he had made a full meal already. He sipped at the cup as it was lifted to his lips, drinking the tea in small gulps. His eyes kept glancing towards the front door. It was obvious he was anxious for today. What if trying to gain Henry's help failed? What if even with him it didn't work? How would he ever get his Grace? He was a nervous wreck inside, that was for sure, but he tried to keep his cool, for Dylan's sake.

    [fancypost borderwidth= 0px; background: url(https://45.media.tumblr.com/f0…eyl617v91qfyjoto1_500.gif); width: 465px; height: 200px; background-position: center;][/fancypost][fancypost borderwidth= 0px; width: 465px; margin-top: -23px; margin-bottom: -23px; text-shadow: 2px 2px black, 1px -1px black, -1px 1px black, -1px -1px black;]I've been broken but I'm better everyday [/fancypost]


    [align=center]She couldn't really summon an argument to the question he shot right back at her. There was both no reason for him to be cooking for her - and no reason for him not to be. It was optional, unnecessary, and she couldn't fathom why he'd done it. But if anything it nudged her just the slightest bit closer to being comfortable around Jefferson. Trusting wasn't something that came easily to Dylan, and she certainly wasn't at that level with him yet. But in terms of whether or not she thought he may harm her at all... well she was almost confident that was a "no". After all, he hadn't even made it a point to when he'd kidnapped her. From there he had done no more than to scare her with seemingly empty threats. That was all. Maybe Jefferson wasn't even capable of harming another human being. Of course, this wasn't something she could be entirely sure of either. Right at this moment everything was simply a wild series of "maybe's" and "I'm not too sure" in her mind.


    As Jefferson spoke up once more she found herself watching him rather intently. Taking no shame in the fact that she was studying the man for a long moment before she came to the conclusion that he was worried. Anxious even, about the events to unfold with this morning's little task. "Jefferson."She spoke his name in a tone that was a little more awake, stern even as she wrapped her hands around the cup of tea he had presented her with only to feel it immediately warm her palms. "There's more than one way to solve any problem - so here's the thing-" Grasping her cup a little tighter, she looked down for a moment before locking her eyes upon the man once more. "There's got to be more than one way to go about breaking this curse. Even if Henry can't help us, we'll find another way." They couldn't stop until they did. Not until whatever had been done here was resolved. More importantly, she wanted to see Jefferson reunited with his daughter and watch everyone achieve their happy endings. Had she learned anything over the years it was that failure only eventually resulted in success. If they failed with their shot at Henry, they would just need to search harder for another solution.


    After a moment her features relaxed back into that sleepy expression, and she slowly lifted the cup of tea to her lips only to faintly smirk at him. "When it comes to tea it looks like you really know your stuff. I have to admit, it does taste better without a load of medication." She responded in an equal tone, her eyes brightening a shade or so. It would really only take her a few moments to get ready and dressed, meaning after breakfast they could really head straight out the door to their destination. Besides, with her being able to drive, that meant everything would go a lot smoother as opposed to if they were walking. "So what should Regina be doing at this time of day?" Dylan asked suddenly, curiosity in her tone. Really she only wondered what the chances were of them running into her as they spoke with Henry.

    [align=center]Jefferson sipped his tea, his mind racing with many thoughts. Why was he doing this? It was for Grace, he knew that much. But the fact that there was a small possibility that when he finally achieved his one and only daughter, that maybe, just maybe, she wouldn't even want him. Rejection, that was something he hadn't experienced before, and he didn't want to start now, he didn't want to feel that. He couldn't bare feeling rejection by his own daughter, his own flesh and blood. The one person he lived for anymore. If it wasn't for her, he probably would have ended his own life years ago. It was the sad truth that he didn't want to admit that out loud.


    With a quick motion, Jefferson set his tea cup down, which happened to be empty now. With the promise of him never having to worry about not having an option. At least in Dylan's eyes, but in his own? No, it was going to be more difficult than he thought, then she thought. He couldn't beileve anything she had to say, at least not about that. He couldn't bare having his heart broken "Yeah..okay.." He replied simply, his tone more dull. It seemed that he didn't beileve her. But he didn't show remorse towards her. He simply picked his plate up, along with his tea cup, and set them by the sink.


    Jefferson then left the kitchen suddenly. He was ready to go, but he knew Dylan had to gather her things and get dressed, as well as drive the car. He was a little rusty on cars, considering they were only from this world. They didn't even have cars where he was from, meaning that he didn't know much about them..or how to drive them. This was why he always had walked, now he was lucky to have Dylan. Jefferson hurried upstairs, going straight to his telescope. "Grace..." That was the only word he muttered as he peered into the scope, staring straight into the window. He could see his little girl eating breakfast, see her goofing off with a little terrier dog at her feet. It hurt to see this, badly, but he couldn't just stop. He had to see his baby girl, no matter the cost.

    [fancypost borderwidth= 0px; background: url(https://45.media.tumblr.com/f0…eyl617v91qfyjoto1_500.gif); width: 465px; height: 200px; background-position: center;][/fancypost][fancypost borderwidth= 0px; width: 465px; margin-top: -23px; margin-bottom: -23px; text-shadow: 2px 2px black, 1px -1px black, -1px 1px black, -1px -1px black;]I've been broken but I'm better everyday [/fancypost]


    [align=center]He didn't believe her. She knew he didn't, as she had even thought about her words for a long moment before speaking them just to make sure she was certain of them. Their options weren't limited, but everything depended on the extent to which Jefferson was willing to go. What was important now though was not to focus on whether or not they would run into a dead end in the future or not. What was important was that they focus. They needed to keep their thoughts set on Henry and how they were going to convince such a young kid to help them out. Perhaps he believed in the stories, but that was really all Dylan knew about him. As to what he was like, whether or not he would be willing to even do such a thing under Regina's nose, that was what this whole operation was laying on.


    She was really getting into this whole situation. Now she wasn't even questioning the fact that she was helping The Mad Hatter, or that she somehow possessed magic or had agreed to help lift a curse. Really, she was trying not to focus on these facts much at all. So, Dylan simply sat in silence for a moment after Jefferson had hurried off, left to her thoughts as to how they would go about doing all of this until hurriedly moving to finish her breakfast and bring her plates to the sink before dashing off. She wasn't about to waste any time, even though she was quite grateful for the breakfast she had been provided.


    For an instant, she was tempted to follow after Jefferson, but knowing that there was little she could say to him in order to improve his state of mind she immediately turned into the room he had lent out to her. All she had to wear were the clothes from the day before. That was something she would have to look into fixing today, but for the time being she would have to settle for what she currently had. With that in mind, she quickly got dressed in what was available to her. Only, in order to keep up a cleaner appearance she continued to wear Jeffersons shirt only to tuck it into her jeans. Her other shirt was too worn and she'd already been seen sporting it, so this was really her only option. That aside, that now dressed Dylan quickly brushed herself off before making her way to the room with the telescope. A room that had so recently been a prison, but now stood to be just one of the most unique rooms in the house. "...Jefferson?" She called questioningly as she stepped into the room. Seeing him looking through that telescope immediately struck her with a small feeling of pity which she immediately stifled so to not let him see the momentary sorrow.


    "Let's go see Henry... we'll take it from there." Small steps were in order to reach this immensely large goal. She needed to remind herself of that.

    [align=center]Jefferson could hear Dylan behind him, urging him to go. He knew he needed to, or they would miss him before he reached the school, then they would have to wait an entire day before they tried again. But just a few seconds longer..It was obvious he didn't want to leave, not yet. He waited, not speaking to Dylan, not even acknowledging her at this point. His one eye stayed closed, his other pressed against the scope. He watched his daughter in the other house, with the other family, living another life. She was getting ready for school..her backpack was going on..a kiss on the forehead from her "father" and..


    Jefferson straightened, brushing himself off before he turned around, giving a single nod "Let's go.." He knew Grace was going to be walking that path, the question was if he could control himself. Kidnapping her wouldn't work. Regina would find out and make sure he never got out of jail, he knew that much. If he even attempted something such as that..Grace would never love him. He needed that love, that acceptance. Jefferson moved towards the entrance, but paused when he saw Dylan still wearing his shirt, just in a more fashionable way. He simply gave a faint smile at her before brushing past her and going down the hall.


    Down the stairs his feet took Jefferson, his steps were quick and rushed, as they were already a few minutes late, thanks to Jefferson's little stalking session. It may be harsh to call it that, but what else would it be considered as? He hurried to the door, opening it up. He held it open for Dylan, just like he had done the night before. Once that deed was done, he went to the car. He then walked to her silver bug, a small car for such a tall man such as he. He didn't mind, it was quite funny to him. Jefferson climbed into the passengers seat, waiting for Dylan to get in as well. "Just follow the main road until you see a bench by a street light..that's where we will wait.." He informed her, at least letting her know where to go.

    [fancypost borderwidth= 0px; background: url(https://45.media.tumblr.com/f0…eyl617v91qfyjoto1_500.gif); width: 465px; height: 200px; background-position: center;][/fancypost][fancypost borderwidth= 0px; width: 465px; margin-top: -23px; margin-bottom: -23px; text-shadow: 2px 2px black, 1px -1px black, -1px 1px black, -1px -1px black;]I've been broken but I'm better everyday [/fancypost]


    [align=center]She waited patiently as she watched Jefferson gaze through the telescope, dismissive of the fact that he had ignored her entirely. Was this a sort of ritual he had developed during the extensive amount of time he had spent here? Simply coming up every morning to watch Grace start her day before going to see her make her way to school? Even if he was her father, that was a little...creepy. But when she thought about it, she realized that was probably his only way of keeping in touch with her. Then he could know both her good days, her bad days, days that she was sick. Really it was the closest he could get to possessing the knowledge a father should naturally be given, and that was the saddest part of it all.


    Once he finally turned away, Dylan simply watched him as he passed her by, remaining silent before releasing a soft sigh and following after Jefferson. It took her a moment longer to catch up as he hurried down the stairs though, seeing as his stride was a little longer than her own. But in moments, she was following behind him once more to that little silver bug of hers. She had to admit it did look a little silly. Not just Jefferson seated in the car, but the vehicle in general. But it was all she had, it got the job done, and she was rather fond of it. So Dylan soon eased herself into the driver's seat - wasting no time in jamming the key into the ignition and starting the vehicle.


    "Got it." She responded, nodding her head as she focused her eyes on the path ahead of her, bringing the car forwards as the journey from Jeffersons house to see Henry began. Now his directions hadn't exactly been specific, as there had to be many benches and streetlights in the town of Storybrooke. Dylan only assumed it would be the first one she saw, and so after some time of driving the short distance, she hesitated as her gaze caught the destination Jefferson had described. It hadn't taken them long to arrive, fortunately, so she hoped that Henry had not passed yet. As for Jefferson... well... she was beginning to assume his eyes were on a different target. "Is this where you usually-" She meant to ask if this was where he usually waited to see Grace, but immediately stopped herself only to blunty shake her head. Now was not the time to be asking that sort of question, and she knew it. Besides, she would feel guilty for driving him into a slump any further. "Ah-Nevermind." Dylan added soon after as she killed the engine. Causing her little car to making a soft putting sound before shutting off.

    [align=center]Jefferson sat silently in the passengers seat, not speaking much. Why should he? There wasn't exactly much to talk about. He decided silence was enough for them, at least for him. He glanced sideways, watching Dylan as she drove. He watched what her foot did, her hands, what her eyes watched, all this was a mystery to him. Why did she drive like this? Did everybody drive this way? It seemed affective, considering they were nearing their target. He squinted, tilting his head slightly. These were two signs he was confused and thinking quite hard.


    As they parked the car, Jefferson was silent to Dylan's comment. He simply glanced at her and whispered "I'm not crazy..." He then got out of the car, shutting his door. He walked a round the back of the car, towards the bench. He went straight to it and sat down. He knew that was what Dylan was thinking. Dylan must think he was some creep, stalking kids like he did everyday. It wasn't his fault, he had to. At least in his mind it was a must. Something not to be questioned. He glanced back, checking to make sure Dylan was coming before setting his eyes on the sidewalk. He scanned it towards the far left, then towards the far right. He saw a group of kids just up ahead. Henry must be in there somewhere....Grace too.


    As the kids walked by, Jefferson was frozen the seat. He didn't even move to pull the boy with the scarf around his neck aside and ask to talk to him. His eyes simply stayed frozen on a little girl at the back of the line.
    This girl had beautiful, flowing blonde hair. It was slightly curly, much like Jefferson's would be if he kept it long and not so close cut. Their eyes matched, Jefferson's and this little girls. They had the same facial structure as well. Jefferson opened his mouth, then shut it, his hand twitching slightly as if all he wanted to do was run and scoop his daughter into his arms and never let her go. As Jefferson was day dreaming, Henry waved at him and Dylan "Morning Hatter..!" He called, addressing Jefferson by his fairy tale name.

    [fancypost borderwidth= 0px; background: url(https://45.media.tumblr.com/f0…eyl617v91qfyjoto1_500.gif); width: 465px; height: 200px; background-position: center;][/fancypost][fancypost borderwidth= 0px; width: 465px; margin-top: -23px; margin-bottom: -23px; text-shadow: 2px 2px black, 1px -1px black, -1px 1px black, -1px -1px black;]I've been broken but I'm better everyday [/fancypost]


    [align=center]Dylan's response to combat his own rose inevitably, as she seemed reluctant to allow Jefferson to have the final word in which he once again believed that Dylan deemed him crazy. Of course she did. With all that had happened this past while Jefferson and crazy seemed to be words paired hand in hand. But that didn't denote he was a bad person, nor did it mean he was a creep even though his actions would have been seen as creepy - had it not been for his immense situation. "You just come to watch over your daughter, like a father should be able to-" Dylan responded blatantly as she rose from the car, her next words in a lower tone meant to only reach Jefferson if he wished to hear them. "-I've said it before and I'll say it again. You're a good father, Jefferson." She murmured lightly after having followed him over to that quaint little park bench.


    Had they been even a minute later they would have probably missed the children. Fortunately, they had arrived just in time to see the group off on their way to school. Though Dylan had to admit that while they were certainly doing no wrong in sitting there she could not help but feel rather... awkward. Only this feeling was soon snatched away by one rather surprising sight. In the group, she had been seeking out Henry, despite not knowing what he looked like. But in the process, her gaze had skimmed over a rather familiar girl. Grace. Only once before had she ever seen her, and that had been through a telescope when she had been held captive. Through the lens she had been able to see a resemblance, but here out in the open, their matching features were almost uncanny. This was undoubtedly Jefferson's daughter.


    Dylan was only snapped from her thoughts once a new voice reached her. That of a young boy with a mess of lighter brown hair and a scarf tied snuggly around his neck. "Morning Hatter...!" He seemed so cheerful, greeting Jefferson with his fairy tale name as though he couldn't care less what anyone else thought of it. But was this... "Henry?" Dylan inquired, giving no more than a subtle head tilt as she wondered whether or not this was the boy they had come to speak with. He didn't seem to sport a great resemblance to Regina, so it was questionable as to whether or not this was truthfully him. But if it was, the light in his eyes suggested he would be quite easy to speak with. Or so, she hoped. Even Dylan had to admit that she had very little experience with kids, especially when compared to Jefferson.