Memory games (Jefferson x reader)

Before

(Ok so i have mega Jefferson feels rn and I wanna write something for my underrated bb. So I'm gonna make a series. That probably no one is gonna read Lmao o 🐳. This first chapter is set right before the curse, and it's only going to be semi canon probably- I'm trying but no promises. Anyways enjoy this first, semi short chapter)

It was a beautiful morning in the enchanted forest, little flecks of sunlight lighting up the floral covered ground and birds singing their pretty little songs. Little squirrels scurried past in a hurry to return to their homes, much like y/n was hurrying to return to her cottage. The girl had a soft smile on her lips, eyes lit up with excitement as she rushed to see her husband Jefferson and daughter Grace.

She slowed down a moment to peek into the satchel she had draped over her shoulder to make sure her exciting find was still there. Indeed, the rare, freshly picked flower bounced slightly with each step she took, as if it itself were prancing it's way home. She remembered Grace expressing curiosity regarding the flower a while ago, and y/n's smile widened at the thought of Graces delighted reaction.

At last she arrived at the cabin, flower hidden amongst a variety of others in her bag. She carefully opened the door.

" Grace? Jefferson? I'm home!" She called out, voice echoing slightly throughout the cottage.

She was just closing the door behind her when a small pair of arms wrapped around her waist. A small giggle escaped her as she turned in her daughters hold to face her.

" hello, my dear." Y/n said as she returned the living embrace."say, where's your father?" She inquired, causing Grace to sigh.

"he's preparing for another trip." Grace mumbled, her hands moving to play with her mother's hair.

"Oh." Y/n felt her expression falter at those words.

Not wanting to upset Grace, y/n quickly changed the subject.

"you'll never believe what I've found in the forest today." She exclaimed, moving to reach into her flower filled bag.

"this flower that I-" she pulled out an ordinary rose at first, a giggle escaping her.

"my bad- I meant," she reached into the bag again, this time pulling out a beautiful ( insert rare flower here :) ),"this!"

Grace gasped and delicately grabbed hold of the flower, her face lighting up with joy.

"oh my- this is the one I've been talking about! Oh thank you mommy! Thank you so much!" Grace gave her mother one last hug before skipping off to care for her new flower. Y/n stood up. Time to talk to Jefferson. She walked to their shared room where, sure enough, there stood her husband, preparing to jump through a newly crafted portal.

"I thought you got rid of that" Said y/n, eyes turning a bit sad as they gazed into Jefferson's baby blue ones.

"I... made a new one.." he began, walking over to meet her at the doorway."Look y/n.... I'm sorry but this is something I need to do."

"Is this really a trip worth making?" The girl mumbled, taking the bag off of her and gently placing in on the ground beside her.

He didn't answer at first

"I know I said I was done with portal jumping- but something popped up."

"how long will you be?" She questioned

"I- I don't know. Soon, for sure."

"Where are you going?"

"Back to wonderland."

"Why?"

"I have some important buildings to attend to." This, for some reason, made y/ns blood run cold.

"Business with who?" She asked despite having a feeling that she knew the answer. He gave her a sad look.

"You know who." He said quietly, so as not to alarm Grace if she happened to be nearby. The thought him going to the Queen of Hearts terrified poor y/n, and she felt her blood run cold.

"Jefferson no, it's way to dangerous." She lowered her voice as well, they both could hear Grace singing softly to herself in the kitchen.

"Y/n, Doll, please... listen to me. This trip... it could have some amazing outcomes."

"what about the bad possibilities? Do you know what that woman has done- will do? My god, you've gone absolutely mad." Her brows furrowed out of worry.

"No- doll listen to me. This will work. I can do this. For Grace, for you." He had a pleading look in his eye.

Y/n stared at him for a while, the inevitable outcome of the situation melting its way into her brain. Tears began to sting her eyes.

"I don't want you to get hurt, Jeff. And I know- I just know she'll hurt you." Her voice cracked and words turned into sobs as Jefferson wasted no time in pulling his lover into a tight and loving embrace.

"it's just one trip, one simple short trip, I promise." He said, to himself or to her he didn't know. "I've already talked with Grace too. She understands."

"No, I doubt her own father told her he was gonna walk right into his own death." Y/n said between sobs.

"Don't... don't do that... don't say that." He said, eyes reddening as they threatened to let tears fall. He held her until her crying had somewhat ceased, occasionally leaning back to press a kiss to her forehead. Grace came by to give her mother a small hug, offering to show her what she had done with the flower.

"Mom you should really come see I think you'll like it." Grace said, grabbing her mother's arm gently. Y/n didn't take her eyes off of Jefferson.

"I'll be right there dear." She said, throat sore and scratchy from the crying. Jefferson kept his arms wrapped around her waist, a few tears falling down his face as he pulled her in for a sweet yet sorrowful kiss.

They eventually pulled away from each other, and y/n slowly grabbed her bag from the floor and backed away, silently pleading for him to change his mind. But he just kept on smiling hopefully at her. She muttered a goodbye before hesitantly walking off to find Grace.

With a sad sigh, he turned and tossed the hat on the floor, successfully opening up a portal. He quickly jumped in it, refusing to hesitant in fear of calling the whole thing off.

And god had he wished he had stayed.

( and that's the end of chapter one! I really hope I didn't put to much angst there- the intention at first was to put no angst but, how would I have done that lmao. I may add or change this a bit idk. Anyways feel free to give feedback!)