We're All Mad Here (Jefferson x OC)

Chapter One

Serena ran through the woods, trying to get away from the guards she pissed off. You're probably wondering how? Simple; it was the night of Regina's annual ball and Serena didn't want to go.

She escaped before they could put her in a dress. She had escaped through the gardens, where no one was going to be. Unfortunately, Regina knew her escape route and had guards placed at every exit from the garden.

Serena had to climb a wall just to get out. Grass stains covered dark pants from landing on the ground. Of course, the guards noticed her and The Huntsman was called.

"Really, Serena." He sighed, walking over to where she was. "Regina won't be happy if you don't make it to the party."

"This." She gestured around her. "Is better than being in a sparkly dress in a room full of people I don't know or care about." She wasn't wrong. The dress Regina had picked out was pure white with sparkles everywhere and she didn't care about any of the kings or lords.

"You're really going to do this?"

"Yep." She answered before taking off in the opposite direction. She knew they would catch up with her, they always did. But she had to try and get away. The party was going to be boring and she didn't want to be there.

Now, the guards, including the man she saw as an older brother, The Huntsman, were trying to get her back to the castle before the ball started and before Regina got really mad. She ducked behind a log in an attempt to rest a bit. She was out of breath but knew if she stopped in front of them, they would catch her and bring her back.

She held her breath, hoping they didn't see her. She knew most of them wouldn't find her, they were all idiots. The Huntsman, however, knew exactly how to find her. That's why he was there. Regina knew he would always find her. Especially with his hunting skills.

Fortunately, the others passed by without a second glance. The Huntsman stopped for a moment, examining the surrounding forest for any sign of the missing princess. Since Regina was constantly after Snow White, Serena ended up being Regina's heir.

After a moment, The Huntsman followed the others, leaving Serena. She then leaned against the tree, sliding down to the ground. She sighed, thinking of how long it was going to be before the guards actually found her.

Once Regina found out, she was going to be pissed. Serena didn't know why. It wasn't like anyone talked to her at parties anyway. All the kings were too busy trying to wed Regina than take interest in her little sister and the women were gossiping about the kings.

None of them ever took interest in Serena. The only time she spoke to any of them were greetings. Other than that, she sat next to Regina while they spoke to her. Regina tried to set her up with people, but they only did it so they wouldn't get their hearts taken.

"What am I going to do?" Serena asked herself. She had time to kill. She just needed to get away from the castle until the ball was over. She leaned her head against the rough bark, closing her eyes.

"I might have an idea." A voice said. Serena's eyes snapped open as she turned to face the man. She was on her feet in an instant to move away from him. He had steel blue eyes and disheveled dark brown hair that was covered by a top hat.

"Who are you?" She asked, grabbing a stick that she could use as a weapon. He held his hands up to show he wasn't going to hurt her. She kept the stick up, ready to swing it at his head. Her gaze swept over him, checking for any weapons.

"The name's Jefferson." He said, holding his hand out for her to shake. "You can put down the stick, I won't hurt you." She didn't take it, eyeing his hand instead. He chuckled slightly, knowing she wasn't going to drop the stick.

"Serena."

"I know, princess."

"It's your highness." She scoffed slightly, throwing the stick to the ground. "Now, what did you mean when you said you might have an idea?" She didn't trust him and wanted to call for The Huntsman but she knew he was long gone by then.

"What I meant was, I might need your help with something." He answered, bringing his hand back to his side. "It won't take too long and I can bring you back as soon as we're done. What do you say?"

"How do I know I can trust you?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. Why not take a chance? Have some fun?" She nodded, causing him to grin and take his hat off, throwing it to the ground. He spun it a few times as she moved to his side. He moved back, grabbing his hand in hers. "Hold on!"

"Have you found her?" Regina asked as The Huntsman entered her chambers. He sighed and shook his head, knowing she was going to be upset. "You've found her before, what's the issue now?"

"She escaped. Got past the gardens. We chased her into the forest but she got away." He answered. "I have four guards searching for her as we speak." Regina stomped forward, stopping just before him.

"No." She snapped. "You need to find her now. I don't want you to return until you do. Am I understood?" He nodded as she moved away. At that point, it wasn't anger that drove her to find her sister. It was worry.

Serena was all she had left. Her father was in Wonderland. So was her mother. Serena was the only one who didn't see her as a monster. She couldn't lose her.

"I promise, I'll find her." The Huntsman said, sensing her worry. Her head snapped up to look at him, quickly putting on 'The Evil Queen' look again.

"Then go!" She ordered. Once he was gone, she magically changed into a dress to get ready for the ball. Kings and Queens were coming from all over to talk about business and she had to be there.

She walked over to her balcony and gripped the rails, watching as the carriages started to come in and people started to come in. A servant came in and knocked on the door to get her attention.

"What?"

"It's almost time for you to start the ball."

"Don't you think I know that?" Regina snapped, turning around to face her. She rolled her eyes and sent the servant away before going to her vanity. The genie's face appeared in the mirror as she walked over.

"That was a bit harsh."

"I'm not in the mood."

"For her or for me?"

"Both of you."

"What are you going to do about Serena?"

"Nothing that concerns you." Regina said, pacing in front of the mirror. "It's not your business how I find my sister."

"It does since I devoted my life to you." The genie responded. She sighed and stopped in front of him. "How can I help?"

"I'll find her myself. Since the guards are too incompetent to find her, I will." She answered. "Now, I have a ball to get to. If The Huntsman doesn't find her, I'll start my search in the morning."

And with that, she teleported out of the room.

Another day in Storybrooke, another day Jefferson had to watch her with no memory of him. He was sitting in a booth in Granny's diner, watching Ruby and Serena talk. He knew what they were talking about; they had the same conversation everyday.

Serena wore a beige blouse and jeans, a stark difference from the white under shirt and navy blue vest she was wearing when she first met Jefferson. He thought about that day often in Storybrooke.

It was all he had left of her.

She didn't know who he was while he was cursed with the memories of everything they had been through. Everyday his regrets haunted him but the only thing he would never regret was meeting her.

She just needed to remember him. And then everything would be okay.