Sebastian Stan || One Shots

An Honorary Guest | Jefferson

Hi! This is a One Shot all about Jefferson (Mad Hatter) from Once Upon a Time, requested by Nini_Laufeyson. I really hope you enjoy it and that I've done the character justice.

Let me know if you have any requests!

*

"Excuse me!" You run after the man and his daughter. Realising how clean her clothes are compared to his, her hair brushed perfectly while his are a collection of slightly matted strands that curled around his face.

You see his arm pull her towards him, just behind his leg, hand hovering at her shoulder as they watch you.

Her eyes wide at the bunny. Sad that it's in your arms, not hers. She glances at her father, wondering if he's going to say something.

"How can I help you?"

"I saw you, by the cart. I had to buy it." You say, fingers tight against the white fur of the toy.

They still stare at you, his blue eyes studying as you stand there. Expensive clothes and rich hair. Soft hands and clean shoes.

"I'd like you to have it." You crouch, arm stretched towards the little girl whose face lights up now. Mouth gaping into a smile.

When she reaches for it, her father watches you. His eyes don't move from yours. The little girl pulling the rabbit in for a hug, one hand still holding onto the man's jacket.

"What do you want for it?" His voice is low, untrusting, as his eyes move to his daughter. A side of his mouth curling into a slight smile when he sees her happiness.

"Nothing." You say, letting your arm fall back to your side. Back under your cape, hidden from the world. Just how you like it.

"People always want something."

"Not me." They're still looking at you but there's a softness to his frown. "I promise."

"Here, I have some bronze." He says, digging into his pockets to give you all he has.

"No, please. Honestly. I want nothing for it."

"I'd like to pay. Kindness isn't free."

"Mine is."

His hand reaches into the darkness of your cape, pulling out a tight fist as you refuse to take his offering.

"I'll tell you what. I won't take your bronze but, I'll accept an invite to your tea party." You say, pushing him away by his knuckles. "I've never been to one before."

"Never?" The little girl echoes, pity in her eyes.

"Never ever."

"What do you say, Grace? Do we have room for one more?" He looks to his daughter whose smile is wide like her fathers could be if he tried.

"Yes, Papa."

"Well, it's decided then. You're an honorary guest."

You follow them home and he slows down to walk with you, Grace running up ahead with the white rabbit tight against her chest. Telling tales and planning adventures.

"That's payment enough." You say pointing at his daughter.

"Do you have any children?" He asks after a momentary silence as he watched her dance with her new gift. Almost envious he wasn't the one to get it for her.

"Money can't buy everything."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Is that why you bought her the rabbit?" He glances at you, his curls bouncing as he walks.