The Regal Ships

Part 36: Thief v. Hatter (MQ)

Sequel to "The Hatter's Waltz". As requested by its_urqueen . 

They were all back, no memories of the previous year. The Charming's had sent Hook on a mission to find Emma and Henry. In the year, the former Mad Hatter and Evil Queen had fallen in love at a ball. To their misfortune, the lovers were torn apart by a curse set upon by the Wicked Witch.

Captain Hook had returned with Emma and Henry. Her memories were back, but not Henry's.

Regina got off her seat with some drink, noticing Jefferson sitting alone at a table. She frowned at him and then saw Grace hanging out with some friends.

"Hello, Jefferson," she said softly, sitting down. She looked at him, something was off, very off.

"Regina," he said back.

"So who do you think took our memories?" She asked.

"I'm not sure that's entirely important right now," he said and stood up. Her brows furrowed and she too stood up.

"What are you talk-" she began to ask before Jefferson turned her around.

Then she saw the person she never thought she'd see again. Her mouth was ajar and she dropped her drink on the table, causing the luke warm drink to splash Jefferson in the chest. The brown liquid trickled down his shirt and on the floor. Regina was oblivious, as for she had just see her son again.

Henry looked over to her, see the shock ridden all over her. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you," she apologized awkwardly.

She turned back to Jefferson and saw the accident. "Oh! I'm sorry," she apologized and grabbed some napkins.

He stared at her eyes as her hands trailed over his chest and down to his carved abdomen. Why did the touch feel right? And why did he suddenly want to be closer to her.

Her eyes then wandered up to his, locking. They just stared at each other, not knowing what to do. They sat back down.

"You know the funniest thing happened a few days ago," she said.

"What?"

"I met this guy-well thief and we tried searching for clues on who did this to us and...then I noticed he had the lion tattoo," she said and he gave her a weird look. "When I was younger a fairy Tinkerbell told me she could find my soulmate. She said him to be the man with the lion tattoo," she explained.

"Oh," he responded, disappointment in his voice.

...

Later that day...

Regina and Jefferson went out into the forest to search cabin out in the woods. She suddenly felt something...for Jefferson? It was like something happened between them in the missing time. She couldn't put her finger on it.

He stopped in his tracks, causing her to do they same. "Regina? Can I ask you something?"

"Yes," she said softly.

"I...do you...are you feeling something right now? Like something happened between us in the missing time," he asked.

"Yes," she said, getting closer.

"I feel that....we," he didn't know what to say. So he spoke with his lips on hers.

They both felt sparks. Something radiating between them. Halfway through the kiss an aurora washed through the town along with a gust of wind. They broke their kiss and caught their breath.

"Was that?" She began.

"True love's kiss?" Jefferson said and then smiled at the woman he fell in love with. I fell in love with her at the ball.

I fell for the Mad Hatter.

They started laughing and then they went in for another kiss. She broke it this time and held his biceps. "The curse!! That must mean Henry's memories are back!" She clutched his hand. "C'mon!!!"

She's adorable when she's excited.

...

Henry and Grace were running down the streets looking for their parents. Then Henry saw his mom holding Jefferson's hand.

"Mom!" Henry shouted and ran into her arms.

"Papa! Regina!" Grace exclaimed and crashed into their arms.

"Are-are you two together?" Henry asked.

"Yes-yes we are, Henry. Is that alright?" Regina asked.

"It's awesome!" He shouted.

*

Regina was torn though, it was either her soulmate or the man she fell in love with? She had told Robin about the tattoo and Jefferson.

"So who do you choose? Your fate or your heart?" Snow asked.

"My heart," Regina answered after inner debate.

She chose her heart, not fate.

THIS IS THE LAST ONE SHOT. I'm sorry, but I want to start my other books too. The one that will replace this rotation is called "Be the Hero". It's a season 2 AU about Regina striving to be heroic after strange creatures from another land come and try to destroy the town. Along with that she meets a handsome Irish bandit who might be in love with her.

Thanks so much for reading! ❤️❤️❤️
-OUAT_7