The Regal Ships

Part 31: The Hatter's Waltz (MQ)

Note: Ball in Missing Year 3b

Snow and Charming decided to have a ball. Mainly just for fun in the dark times. Regina stood to the side as couples and friends danced cheerfully across the dance floor. Snow had insisted she attend, but there was no point. Who would want to dance with the Evil Queen?

Jefferson lifted his daughter up in the air. She was getting big, almost 13. He missed the times he could actually hold her in his arms. She giggled as he spun her around. He was so happy to have her back. As they turned a little his eyes fell onto a heartbroken woman. It was Regina. He hadn't talked to her let alone saw her in over two years.

He frowned as he saw the sadness in her face and she left the ballroom. He had sort of forgiven her by now and he had moved on. "Grace. I'll be right back." He said and kissed her forehead.

He followed the path of the woman whom he hadn't seen in two years. He could she she silhouette in the balcony down the hallway. He carefully walked towards her before stopping a few feet away.

"I never thought I'd see you again." He said softly, knowing she was sensitive right now. She jumped a little at his voice.

Regina heard that voice she wanted to forget knowing his intentions for her were deadly. She wiped her tears skillfully before turning and saying, "Jefferson? What are doing here?"

She took in his appearance. Handsome as ever. His hair had grown to its length of when they met. He rocked that spiky crazy hair look. His outfit was a an almost prince like attire. His leather pants shone in the dull moonlight. His coat was dark and had deep purple stitchings. He had that "guyliner" again, which he rocked as well. His bright blue eyes were brighter in the light almost like a lighthouse of sorts.

"Same as everyone else, dancing. Why aren't you?" He knew why just why was she upset. Then he realized, "Where's Henry?"

She fought so hard not to the let the tears fall. She whimpered as she struggled. "I had to let him go! For his best chance." She crashed into him and his arms wrapped her.

"I'm sorry." He said.

"What do I do?" She cried out.

"What about a dance?" He asked as he picked up her chin. He looked into those brown eyes. All he saw was pain, but when he asked her to dance he saw a tiny flicker of admiration.

"Why are you being so nice to me? I'm surprised you haven't killed me by now." She asked as a stray tear fell.

"I've forgiven you, Regina. That doesn't make what you did okay, but I forgive you. You're certainly not the woman I knew two years ago or in Wonderland. You're changing." He offered his hand and she looked at it and back into his eyes looking for a lie. "I'm truthful. C'mon it'll be fun."

"I...can't."

"And why is that?" He asked.

"I...I...can't dance." She said extremely embarrassed and while blushing. He saw the blush and smiled.

"Then I'll teach you." He offered his hand again which she then hesitantly took.

They walked hand in hand down the walkway and into the bright ballroom. He looked over see his stunning partner.

"What?" She asked nervously.

"You look beautiful." He said simply and she looked away while a smile crept on her face.

"Hey papa! Who's this?" Grace asked.

"Grace this is Regina." He leaned down a bit, still holding Regina's hand. "I'm gunna teach her how to dance." He whispered with a wink.

"Well he's a great teacher. Have fun!" She said and skipped away to the tables of food.

"She's grown so much. She's becoming a young lady." Regina said with a weak smile.  She missed Henry so much and her heart was aching.  But the hole in her heart was seeming to be filled and she didn't know why or how or who. 

   "Thank you."  He placed a hand on her hip and grasped her hand gently.  She placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it for comfort.  "Alright so just back with your left." 

   Her stupid feet got tripped up and she bumped into him.  "It's alright.  C'mon you can do it."  He encouraged.

   She was still so confused as to why Jefferson was being so nice to her.  It was probably a trick.  She tried again and she was moving effortlessly across the floor. 

  Jefferson was so mesmerized by how incredible Regina looked.  Her laugh was contagious and uplifting.  Then everybody started a slower dance.  Jefferson and Regina slowed down to calm pace and stared into each other's eyes. 

   He always found it in her to be a very unique woman.  He liked different and she was very much so.  To top it all off she was gorgeous.  She had a cute laugh  and was very smart.  She was funny too and sassy as hell. 

   In this moment,  he found her so attractive and was lost in her eyes that he didn't even realize their foreheads were touching.  Regina had a worried look on her face.  She was scared to fall in love again and she was afraid that was happening as they danced. 

   Jefferson's hand left her hip and found her jaw and her caressed it.  He looked down at her lips before gently pressing his lips to hers.  Regina's heart was burning, but a good burn.  Like a fire had awoken in her.  The lost flame of romance had been lit again.  Their lips moved on each other with passion and carefulness. 

   "David". Snow asked and paused.  "Look."  She motioned towards Regina and Jefferson and their evident passion.

   David smiled at the new romance budding before him.  He looked over to Snow who was tearing up.  "You alright?"

   "Yes.  I'm just so happy for her." 

   "Is that the Mad Hatter?"  He asked.

   "What does it matter?  David, she's in love!"  Snow cheered.  Then the couple stopped kissing.

   Jefferson feared he went too far.  Shock riddled Regina's face.  Her eyes fell back into his lips and then a figure appeared next to them.

   "Hey you guys are supposed to dance.  Not make out."  Grace teased with a piece of bread in hand.

   "Grace!"  Jefferson scolded out of embarrassment. 

  "Don't worry, Regina.  You can date my papa.  I've been wanting a mama."  She said.  "Have fun...but not too much fun!"  She said and skipped off once more.

   "She's such a ham.  Like her father."  Regina said accusingly. 

   "Shut up and kiss me."  He growled on her lips. 

   She did so and kissed him with more passion and confidence. 

...

Jefferson's House: Enchanted Forest

   Grace dragged the new couple towards her house. 

   "C'mon Romeo and Juliet!  Let's have a tea party!" 

   Grace ran in the house while Jefferson and Regina paused outside. 

   He pulled her into him and kissed her before pulling her into the house.