When Worlds Collide | Mad Hatter OUAT x Reader |

Chapter 27 ✂ Lover Tonight

"And so the man spent his entire life trying to make the perfect hat. Although he had tried over a hundred times, he never lost hope that someday- in some way- he'd see his beloved daughter and wife again."

Paige giggled faintly and stirred under the comforters. "You really seem to like that story."

"Well, it's the one I connect most with." Jefferson chuckled, placing the storybook onto the lamp table.

"I like it though." She grinned delicately.

"I'm glad," he reflected her smile, tentatively kissing her forehead. "Sleep well, sweetie."

"You too," Paige sighed, burrowing beneath her blankets, out from the bitter cold.

You propped yourself against the bedroom's doorway, your arms crossed with a lopsided smile. They were so precious- the two of them seemed like they'd been this close since forever. "She seems to be doing better," Jefferson whispered, soundlessly shutting the door behind him.

"Thanks to Dr. Whale. I don't know what magic he has, but its barley been a week and she's almost back to normal."

"Can't say the same about you." Jefferson, smirked, tauntingly.

"What do you mean? I'm perfectly fine." You retorted defensively.

The blue eyed man chuckled, something you hadn't heard from him in months. He seemed so relaxed and serene even though he was fined for destruction of others' property. He seemed less- insane to an extent. Less worried. Less concerning. He seemed to be the man who you once grew a liking to. "The bags under your eyes are telling me otherwise." He pointed out.

"Oh," you muttered, shutting your eyes for a moment. "I feel worn out but I'm not exhausted enough to sleep. Paige has been keeping me awake these past little while."

"She's been getting nightmares?"

"No, actually. She's been saying someone's in her room after the lights are out. As though- he's still there."

"What do you do?" Jefferson's voice grew rigid.

"I sleep at night with her. She's been less fussy since." You grinned.

"Good," he sighed in relief. "She- she cried a little while before, when you weren't in the room."

"About what?"

"She told me that she didn't want to let you know she was scared." Jefferson grumbled, shoving his fingers in his pocket. "She thought you would get worried all over again."

Your eyes fell to the floor. "I don't know if I'm a good mother- or if she's a good daughter."

"I'm sure it's both." Jefferson assured, the corner of his lip rising.

"Thanks," you bit your lower lip. "I- you've been a lot of help during this. I really appreciate it."

"Don't mention it-"

"I told her." You winced, certain he would holler at you.

"Told her- what?"

"About- everything." You murmured, casting a long and lingering gaze upon him. Jefferson's eyes were distant, his eyebrows were drawn together and his lips were pressed into a distasteful line of shame.

"She didn't remember?" He asked softly. You nodded, handing him a piece of paper.

"This is the drawing of what she remembers you- or whoever she imagines her father to be." You cooed, staring at the man's softened features drain of color.

Jefferson could almost feel a tear drop down his cheek but instead he blinked the tear from his eyes and pressed his lips together to keep them from wobbling. He sternly handed the drawing back, keeping his eyes off of you to mask his vulnerable state. "I should have never left her."