Wake Up

My name is Jefferson. I live alone. I am alone. I have no one. And no one has me.

[hopeswanjones]

Jefferson + character traits 

requested by museelo

[edennil]

You think I would inflict that awareness on my daughter?

[6ximpossiblethings-deactivated2]

Help || Jefferson & Mira

[6ximpossiblethings-deactivated2]

While e was in the kitchen Mira had taken a seat in a more comfortable looking chair. She surveyed the room, it was very different from her home, but she did live in a small cottage. A big difference from this large house. She wasn’t to sure why one man lived in such a large house by himself.

She smiled a small smile when he came back in the room taking a seat across from her. She hated asking for help, but she knew she could trust Jefferson to give her the best advice. She nodded her head as he talked about how times were different. It was true, things were a lot different when she was young and her parents ran the shop. It seemed so much easier, so much simpler. 

She thought over his idea deeply. It was a really good idea and it would bring in more customers, but she would expect nothing less from Jefferson. “That sounds like a wonderful idea, but I’m unsure how to go about getting all of that setup, I’m not very good with technology”

[offwithhis-head]

"Truth be told, neither am I," Jefferson responded, folding his hands on his knee. Regina's memories had supplied him with competent knowledge, but Jefferson had abandoned any care for technology long ago. It wouldn't be so hard, would it? "Maddison and Dorian are young. Perhaps they'd fair better than us?" He suggested. "Worse comes to worse, we can have someone talk us through it." 

A whistle caught his attention, causing Jefferson to raise from his seat. "Excuse me one moment, please." Heading to the kitchen, he spoke loudly so Mira could hear him. "Pardon me asking, but do you know if Scarlet's little coffee shop has wifi?" It was a common practice nowadays, for coffee shops to provide wifi. It may have been stooping low, but perhaps the competition of technology would steal her customers. An empty coffee shop. He enjoyed the imagery immensely. 

Finishing off the tea, he brought it back out for her, taking a seat. "Forgive me if it's not the best. I haven't entertained company in a fair time."

[chaotic-erin-deactivated2014102]

Two Sugar Cubes And An Extra Tip ~ Erin and Jefferson

[chaotic-erin-deactivated2014102]

She took a sip of her solid tea. Erin wasn’t the type to put things into a simple yet nice mixture such as tea. “Well,” she started while setting the glass down on the marble beside her, “You just did ask me for it. Whether or not I am going to give it is another thing.” The ravenette messed with a piece of her hair. “But I will nonetheless. Erin, Erin Strife. and may I say that is a pleasure to finally speak with you.”

[offwithhis-head]

Jefferson eyed the woman with mild curiousity, sipping his Mad Hatter tea. He didn't know the name. The face, yes. A temptress. A troublemaker. Why she had him in his sights was beyond him. "The pleasure's all mine," Jefferson replied, holding up his tea cup in greeting. Jefferson didn't skirt around matters, not unless it favoured him or he was toying with another. He was direct, and had been told he was far too blunt. He got to his feet, taking the seat across from his company. "Is there something you wanted, Ms Strife?"

[lostlittlegrace]

Happy Father's Day! || Jefferson and Paige

[lostlittlegrace]

Jefferson’s words made Paige cry with true desperation, uncontrollable sobs wracking her chest as she threw her arms around her friend -her best friend’s- neck. She clung to him with all of her strength, and just cried. “And I’ll never forget you, I promise! I promise!” her head leaned against his shoulder in a crook that seemed perfectly molded to hold it. “And if I ever, ever did, I’d always come back no matter what, okay? You could be all the way in Wonderland and me be here and it wouldn’t matter at all because you’re my best friend in the whole-” she broke off for a moment, sniffling and trying to control her sobbing. “-in the whole universe and nothing will ever, ever change that!” 

Then words were lost, and the little girl simply cried.

[offwithhis-head]

In those words, Jefferson's heart tore. Freezing daggers tearing apart his chest, hot tears brimming his reddened eyes. I'll never forget you. If only she knew. If only.. Jefferson choked, throat caved in refusing him air. His lungs screamed in protest, but the tears were overbearing. How cruel the words were. I'll never forget.

Jefferson held onto the girl, face buried in her hair. She smelt so familiar. So perfect. Grace. His Grace. "I know," he breathed, forcing air past the lump in hit throat. His scar felt strained, a bitter reminder of what he had done. This was his fault. It was always his fault!

"I know you'll find me. You always do. Even in the depth of despair, it is you who saves me." Jefferson pulled away, cupping her cheeks and looking her in the eye. "So know this. One day, we will all be happy. Everything will be as it should. I need you to do me one thing." He looked at her pleading, tears threatening to spill. "Wait for me, and never lose hope that I will return. I will always return. I'm only late, Princess. But I will make it home."

[offwithhis-head]

Haunted Memories || Jefferson and Topher

[tophernottmorr]

Topher’s nose wrinkled when the man picked up a flute, knowing that while the instrument was aesthetically appealing, that particular brand wasn’t very high quality. “Topher Nottmorr,” he replied instinctively at the introduction, shaking the man’s hand before adding a bit, in response to the whole “heir” part, “Orphan extraordinaire.” Shrugging slightly, he listened to the man talk about money, not really having much to say in that regard. Money meant a whole lot to him, seeing as he usually didn’t have any. He watched the man pay for the instrument, biting his lip as he mentioned letting the instrument collect dust, a shame regardless of how quality it was. “Fair,” he bit his lip for a moment before deciding to speak up, “And if you don’t want the instrument, donate it to the schools or something. They don’t give the music program a big enough budget, and a lot of kids who can’t afford instruments can’t learn to play because of it.” He was almost one of those children, he’d know.

[offwithhis-head]

Jefferson returned the shake heartily, eyebrow raising at the man's words. Jefferson did not believe in apologizing for things he could not control, nor anything he had no dealings with. Topher's sad story was just that, a story inflicted upon him by Regina. What cruelty to inflict upon a young man. 

Jefferson listened to Topher's suggestion with curiosity. Jefferson had little interest in this world's school system. Had it been up to him Grace would be, as they called it here, 'home schooled'. He could care less for the schools that taught the same students the same subjects year after cursed year. This man, however, seemed passionate about it. "I'll keep that in mind," Jefferson murmured, mind cast back to the liter of unused instruments and equipment he had buried in his basement. It wasn't as if he needed it. "Well, shall we?" He asked, taking back his card and holding out the flute for the young man.

[offwithhis-head]

Haunted Memories || Jefferson and Kara

[princessoftheprideland]

"Perfectly fine." She said, taking a seat on the bench next to him and placing her fingers on the keys. It was an octave higher than the key his fingers rested on but there was no other way. She watched intently memorizing the ways his fingers moved. This had always hypnotized her, the way ones fingers glided across the keys especially it that person was a skilled player and knew the keys well. 

[offwithhis-head]

Jefferson's fingers danced, each movement sure and with purpose. He never missed a note, the music playing so effortlessly. He only played a part, the song ending all too quickly. "Here," he repeated, starting from the beginning. He played a small section of notes, slow and deliberate, so that she may copy him. "You try."

[offwithhis-head]

Alice's Tea Party || Maddie & Jefferson

[haveacupofteaxindeed]

She sighed. “I suppose you’re right… Maybe i’ll get a hare and feed them to him. I’m quite sure he’d enjoy them no matter what they are.” She grinned. Maddie did want a pet rabbit or hare. Or maybe a kitten, she would call it Dinah. Like Alice’s cat of course.

Maddie giggled a bit. “I’m afraid I don’t. But that doesn’t mean you’re not my favorite.” She pointed out with a rather amused grin. She sipped at her tea. “I do too, though I believe I’m more fond of The Hatter’s Tea Party.” It’s a date. Oh it was just a saying but it did make Maddie’s heart give a little flutter!!

[offwithhis-head]

Jefferson leaned in, talking in a hushed voice. "Or perhaps just offer them to Thatcher. He's not terribly fussy, is he? Do you think we should try?" It was tempting to day the least.

Jefferson tutted, leaning back on his chair. "Now, Alice, how can  you know what you prefer if you don't try? Perhaps you'll find yourself a better host than I. And perhaps with you hosting, maybe you'll manage to sip a cup." The door bell rung, and Jefferson's eyes shifted from her to the incoming people. It was easy to forget at times he couldn't keep Alice to himself.. And it was opening day. "I suppose I should let you go," Jefferson remarked sullenly, taking a sip of his Alice Tea. "I never was one for sharing.. Your tea will go well, Alice. Be proud of what you have created."

[6ximpossiblethings-deactivated2]

Help || Jefferson & Mira

[6ximpossiblethings-deactivated2]

Mira looked up at the man noticing the shock in his eyes. He was probably not used to visitors, living out here, nobody else really near him. If he was to get a visitor he probably least likely expected her. She bowed her head back in return, wanting to remain polite. “I wasn’t waiting to long, Jefferson. Don’t worry” she said walking inside the home of her friend.

"Actually Jefferson, I am in need of your help" she told the man beside her. "Yes, tea would be nice, I’d like that" she replied giving him a small smile. She knew he would eventually offer her a cup, he also being quite the tea lover. "It seems Curiositea isn’t doing as well in sell as it used to.

[offwithhis-head]

Jefferson entered his kitchen, already preparing the tea for her. While the pot heated, he returned to the room, taking a seat in front of her and folding his hands together politely. 

He regarded her words for a moment, eyes cast down in thought. "Life is so fast now. It's not as simple as it use to be." Crossing one leg over the other, he sat back, casting his eyes back to hers. "We're in a time of technology. Perhaps we should incorporate into Curiosi-tea. People have work, and most of it now is on a computer. They don't have the time to leave it for a cup of tea."

A small smile graced his face, the irony of a man without even a television in his house suggesting technology as the answer not lost on him. "How would you feel about wifi? You'd gain younger generation's interest, and people would be so caught up in their work they might stay for multiple pots. Of course, the day's password would only be given out to those who buy, so people don't abuse it."

[chaotic-erin-deactivated2014102]

Two Sugar Cubes And An Extra Tip ~ Erin and Jefferson

"Refill miss?" To which Erin nodded towards the employee of the lovely little tea shop. So peaceful it was disgusting but it was a place to think and for that she was acceptance of its lack of eeriness. She read along in the book she always found in her taste. The Art Of War was undoubtedly one of her favorites. She didn’t glance away from it to much until she saw a familiar face.

Technically her and Jefferson had never talked or met in person but she defiantly knew him by name. That was a common thing for her. He wasn’t sitting to far away, just perfect conversational distance actually. 

"Jefferson is it?" She pipped up. "I don’t believe we have had the pleasure of meeting."

[offwithhis-head]

Jefferson knew every face in Storybrooke. Maybe not by name or who they were, but years of repetitiveness led to curiosity, and that led to watching the town. Like a amusing little play, watching past lovers stumble across each other without exchanging glances. Past enemies talking civilly. And even if some were a little more well hidden then others, he still had them in his sights at one point or another.

His favourite to watch were his friends. Mostly Alice, of course, but Dormouse's fumbling and awkwardness fun to watch. He hadn't been too fussed on who was in his little tea shop. But most never spoke out to him. In fact, most believed him mad, and preferred to whisper his name in hushed voices among themselves. Speaking loud and clearly to gain his attention was rare.

Jefferson turned, taking a moment to recognize the face. The name escaped him which bothered him. He preferred holding more information in a conversation, yet he couldn't recall her name. Certainly not someone he met in another world. "Indeed," Jefferson replied, raising a tea cup in greeting. "Well now we have, though I'm afraid I can't recall your name. May I ask you for it?"

[offwithhis-head]

Haunted Memories || Jefferson and Topher

[tophernottmorr]

Topher walked beside the man silently, a few steps behind as the other seemed to be lost in thought, and he would hate to interrupt. Instead, he tried to remember as much of the song as he could, mentally making note of each pitch and visualizing plucking it out on a piano, tucking away that image into a corner of his mind, so he’d be able to transpose the song onto another instrument. It shouldn’t be too hard, the song was simple, though entrancing and very original.

"Pick one?" Topher asked, furrowing his brow, as it took a moment for the man’s words to register, and for the look of combined shock and horror to appear on his face, "Um, no, it’s okay, instruments are really expensive, sir, it’d be crazy to even consider accepting something like that from a stranger. I have a flute or two at home, and I’m sure they’d let me borrow a mouthpiece if I ask, and clean it later. We could do that instead. Thanks for the offer but… I don’t feel comfortable letting you spend that much money on an instrument you won’t even get to be using. Or hear, really." He was stammering, and aware of it, but money, or more exactly, receiving money or things he hadn’t earned, was always an uncomfortable subject for him.

[offwithhis-head]

"Suit yourself," Jefferson replied, taking the most interesting looking flute from it's perch. "However, I don't tend to abuse a piano without making up for it one way or another. Perhaps I should introduce myself. Jefferson Hightopp," he turned, offering a hand, "Heir of the Hightopp fortune. Though, to be honest, money means very little to me these times." Placing the flute on the counter, he also produced his card. "The flute is mine. It'll collect dust. Or, perhaps, I'll give it to someone dear to me. For the time being, however, you have my permission to borrow it." He turned, eyeing the other, "Fair?"

[offwithhis-head]

Haunted Memories || Jefferson and Kara

[princessoftheprideland]

Kara nodded, confused by the expression on his face. He looked hurt. She wanted to ask, to figure out if she could help the man but she feared she’d only make it worse. “Can you show me?” she asked but regretted the words as soon as they came out of her mouth. Of course he wouldn’t want to show her something was wrong and the last thing he needed was a teenager asking for something selfish. “I- um if you don’t want to it’s fine.” She said in an attempt to fix her mistake. “If it’s too painful or something.” There it was again. Her brain not connecting to her mouth. She cringed but decided against trying to correct herself this time (It would only make it worse) and stayed silent.

[offwithhis-head]

Show? Jefferson's jaw dropped in a soundless 'ahh' before he shifted over, offering her a place to is. "I may, though.. it's a little difficult to keep up with. Is that fine with you?" He asked, looking back at the young princess. Perhaps, if she were so lucky, music from another world would unlock a memory, however small it may have been. Placing his fingers gently against the keys, he took a slow, deep breath, forcing himself to focus. It was hard to do so when his mind wandered so easily. "We start here," he murmured, starting the song once more.

[lostlittlegrace]

Happy Father's Day! || Jefferson and Paige

[lostlittlegrace]

Paige didn’t understand how tears were supposed to help. Lately she only seemed to feel worse after she criec. but her mother said that was pretty normal for girls her age. She bit her lip, thinking his words through. It didn’t make sense for tears to heal, and it was simply mind-boggling to her that she might be one to heal Jefferson. Shouldn’t that be someone else? someone better than her? Someone like Maddie, or his daughter Grace? 

Still, se sighed after a short time and met his eyes once again. “I don’t get it.” she muttered, gnawing more violently on her lower lip. “But I trust you. And if you say that I’m helping, and that you’re getting better, then I believe that. Just… Jefferson?” There it was again, that nagging in the back of her mind when she said his name. Like it wasn’t the right thing to call him. She ignored it in the way that she ignored all things that bothered her.

"Promise…. when you’re better, promise you’ll still be my friend, okay? I don’t…. I don’t want to lose you… -your friendship, I mean. Like, I want to still be able to talk about Wonderland and all the beautiful places you’ve gone to. And I want to do it when you’re happy, too. I-I’m scared, f-for some reason that when you’re all better, you won’t need me anymore. I-is that stupid?" 

It felt stupid, especially because the tears came back in full force when she got to saying it. The poor young girl was not used to feeling such deep emotions, and they scared her.

[offwithhis-head]

Jefferson listened intently, eyes searching her face as she spoke. It may not have made much sense, but truth was never quite sensible. A small smile was offered when she agreed to trust him, hoping Grace would take his word for truth and allow it to sooth her worries. As she questioned him, he hummed in response, prompting her to go on. 

Her question shattered him, the smile washed away in fear and heartbreak. Was this what she believed? What she feared? Such tremendously horrid and dark thought plagued her. That she would believe him to forget her. If only she knew. "Princess," he started, cupping her face gently and guiding her to look him dead in the eye. "You are not stupid, nor foolish or naive. But hush those fears, for they will never come to be. Gr- Great Princess," he caught himself before speaking her name, "Not even the darkest of magic could force me to forget you. You are the most important person in my life, and I would cross worlds and fight even the Jabberwocky to protect you. I will never forget you."

[6ximpossiblethings-deactivated2]

Help || Jefferson & Mira

Mira stood in front of a large house nervously. Curiositea has been having some financial troubles lately, and as much as she hated asking for help, here she stood. In normal circumstances she would have dealt with this herself, but at this point she had no other choice. She needed to get the shop out of the hole before the others found out. If this went on any longer, she might not be able to pay Maddison and Dorian like she should, and she really didn’t want to stress Thatcher out with the financial business. That was more her area. 

So, here she stood in front of her friend and business partner’s house. Jefferson would know what to do, he always had ideas. He was creative like that. Maybe he could help her come up with a way to bring in more customers, instead of people going to their local grocery store for tea. I mean, real tea is so much better. 

Mira then decided she had been standing there long enough and knocked on the door, her hand slightly trembling from nervousness, and stood there waiting for the familiar face to come to the door.

[offwithhis-head]

In. Out. In. Out. Turn the hat. Pull the string and cut it right..

A knock disrupted him, head snapping up at the timid sounding intrusion. Placing the hat down, Jefferson headed to the door. He never had visitors. Cracking it open, there was a moment of shock, eyes wide as he realized the White Queen herself stood at his door. Swinging it open, Jefferson bowed his head lightly to the gorgeous woman. "I'm sorry to leave you waiting at my door, Mira. Please, come in." He held the door for his friend.

"Pardon me asking, but to what do I owe this pleasure?" He stopped abruptly, looking disturbed, "I haven't offered you tea. My apologizes. Would you like a cup? And, please, make yourself at home." There was something troubling the woman. She held herself so high, proud and strong, yet she appeared stressed. Tea would do her good.

[haveacupofteaxindeed]

Two Tablespoons of Wishful Thinking || Jefferson & Maddie

Maddie had heard about the ball, of course. And had been debating going or not. It would be fun, and dressing up would be fun— but did she really want to go alone? She could always find someone to talk to… but, honestly she wished Jefferson would ask her… that would be nice… She didn’t think he would however. Then Diana asked why she didn’t just ask him. Which Maddie floundered to find and excuse for. Coming up empty handed she decided she would give it a shot. I mean, worst he’d say was no right?

So she’d planned carefully and, since he’d used to order tea all the time it was easy to plan to have something delivered to his house. She packaged everything carefully and had it delivered to his place immediately.

What Jefferson would find when he opened the box is a tin of Mad Hatter tea labeled Drink Me! in Maddie’s careful curly script. But that wasn’t the important part. What was the important part, was the small tin of cookies sitting next to it. Try One! written in the same handwriting on the top of it.

But instead of cookies labeled Eat Me, Take One, Try Me… the one sitting immediately on the top was a clock, and below that was one, invitation shaped one reading Storybrooke Grand Ball, one could assume the clock was the time it started and one would be right in such and assumption. Below that was a series of cookies that asked Would you, like to, go with, me? There was no signature… but really… Who else would ask in such a Wonderland like manner?

[offwithhis-head]

The knock at his door stirred him, covers clenched close as blurred eyes stared at the covered window. He didn't sleep well. Hadn't for years. But what was a far more rare occurrence than slumber was someone at his door. The only visitor he received over the years were his regular tea pickups, and they had stopped once he'd started venturing out of his hell. 

The knock sounded once again, his face burying in the pillow with a groan. He didn't want a visitor.. Reluctantly, he forced himself out of the comfort of his bed. Pulling on a pair of loose pants, he padded his way to the door, opening it without an ounce of a smile. A mailman was at his door, and Jefferson didn't bother to greet him, bags under his red eyes letting the other know Jefferson wasn't in a friendly mood. The man simply offered him the board for his signature, in which Jefferson signed 'Hatter', before taking the offered box. Neither exchanged pleasantries, the man turning to leaving while Jefferson returned it with a close of the door. Their 'relationship' was often like that. He had a feeling the mailman had been happy once the orders finished.

Finding his way to the couch, he collapsed, eyeing the box. He knew the wrapping. He'd seen it almost daily for years. But he hadn't ordered any tea.. A sweet aroma still clung to it, tea and sugar. Curious, he opened the paper carefully, opening the box to the two tin boxes. He took the note first, fingers gently brushing the lettering. He knew the letters. He'd studied it nightly. Alice's book. He'd spent more time admiring the letters and illustration than he'd care to admit. A smile broke past his walls, small and loving, eyes soft and caring despite the insomnia. He knew that writing well.

Turning his attention to the other tin, he breathed a laugh at Alice's antics. Opening the tin, his smile faltered. It hadn't been what he had assumed at all. He took the first cookie, eyeing the miniature clockface, before looking the other cookies over. The ball.. She wanted to go to the ball.. Setting the tin down, he quickly returned the cookie and replaced the lid, heading to his room to get dressed. He had to prepare. After all, he had a very important date.

[offwithhis-head]

Jefferson's Grandball Outfit~

Complete with a purple silk scarf, patchwork shoes, and a tea set brooch.

[offwithhis-head]

Haunted Memories || Jefferson and Topher

[tophernottmorr]

"Oh…" Topher’s brows furrowed when the man said it wasn’t an original piece. But in all his explorations into every kind of music he could find, he had never once heard anything even remotely similar to the song the man had just been playing. "It’s a flute piece?" he asked, thinking for a moment, before nodding to himself, realizing it’d sound just as lovely on the flute, if not more so. It’d make sense to play the song on any instrument, other than perhaps drums. "I play the flute," he grinned, eyebrow quirking, "Maybe you can show me again, and I can see if I can play it by ear? Then you can do it justice?"

[offwithhis-head]

Jefferson breathed a laugh, bowing his head. He wasn't so sure. The music crafted by the creatures of the forest had been entrancing and vivid. It hadn't been just the music, but the dancing and the merry nature. But.. perhaps the other could bring a piece of that here, even with this world's lacking instruments. Standing, Jefferson paced down the isle with wind instruments. 

"Pick any you like," Jefferson offered. He planned on buying something anyway. Always did, as an apology to the store, and an assurance they'd allow him to do it again if he needed it. "I'll pay, and then you can do for the song what I couldn't."