THE ENCHANTED FOREST

Jefferson had been true to his word – he really went out of his way to make sure that they never found themselves in danger. Rebekah had not needed to save him and months had passed since they left Camelot. And it had made her smile. In private, of course. Because if Jefferson knew how happy it made her to see how far he was willing to go to keep her to stay – well, he might get the wrong idea.

Or the right.

Rebekah felt...something towards Jefferson.

She had spent so long being angry with him, or perhaps...disappointed? Or maybe hurt?

Jefferson was one of the many pawns used to make Regina what she was today. And she knew that there was no changing the past and that if it were possible and they could erase all the events that would lead Regina down the road she took – that Rebekah would have never met Jefferson and that was something that she wouldn't want to change. Because she cared for him. And her anger was slowly replaced with a different emotion whenever she looked at Jefferson in the passing months.

Yes, Jefferson was charming, and he was handsome, and worldly. But there was more to him than his looks, and charm, and portal jumping. He told her about his past, how he grew up, his adventures, and a few of his friends. He spoke about a man he traveled with (the two of them thieves, of course.) named William. William, Jefferson told her, was actually the older brother of Daniel, the stable boy, and Regina's first love.

"William..." Rebekah had said. The Huntsman spoke of a man named William who had overturned Regina's carriage while she was traveling in the Forest of the Dead and lured her into his trap, a pit he had built so that he could keep her trapped there. Rebekah remembered that the man had died, that Regina had killed him – but she had never known who he truly was, or why he had tried to kill Regina. But Rebekah understood, now.

Rebekah had told Jefferson that she believed that William had been killed by her sister's hand and watched as his eyes misted over.

"He meant something to you?" Rebekah had asked upon seeing the sadness in Jefferson's eyes.

Jefferson had put on a brave face and simply shrugged. "He was a true friend. Probably the only friend I had ever made that I could truly trust."

It had made Rebekah frown. Something must have happened to Jefferson in his life that made it hard for him to trust those around him – even his friends.

Rebekah pretended not to care, reminding him constantly that the only reason she was still with him was because of the debt she owed him. But then something terrible had happened.

They had been back in the Enchanted Forest.

Rebekah had convinced Jefferson that she knew a place, a safe haven, a royal kingdom that was not loyal to Regina. Snow White and Prince Charming.

Her dear friend, Snow White, had found her true love. And Rebekah was so happy for her friend. They would attend Snow and Charming's wedding, Rebekah longing to go to just one more ball. But, Jefferson had been weary – knowing that not only would they have to keep an eye out for Rumpelstiltskin, but Regina as well. Yet, he agreed to go. Because Rebekah had asked him to.

It wasn't Regina who found them. (Thought, the Evil Queen had crashed the wedding,) It was Rumpelstiltskin. And instead of grabbing her, he took Jefferson, who at the last second threw his hat to Rebekah, telling her to run. But she...she couldn't just leave him. And it wasn't just because of the debt she owed him. It was because she couldn't bear the thought of anything bad ever happening to Jefferson.

So, she went to Snow and Charming and asked for their help.

Snow was just so happy to see that Rebekah was safe, the woman wrapped her arms around her childhood friend and hugged her tightly. And when Rebekah asked her favor, Snow and her new husband were happy to help.

And together, the three of them went over battle plans to get her portal jumper back. Rebekah changed into leathers that Snow had given to her, and placed Jefferson's hat atop her head and with Snow Whites army, she lead the way to Rumpelstiltskin's palace.

"Rebekah, I don't think Jefferson would want you to do this." Snow said as they stood in the forest outside of Rumpelstiltskin's palace. Charming was by her side, speaking with their knights on what they would need to do. "He told you to run." Snow reminded Rebekah.

But she shook her head defiantly. "No," She refused to listen. "I won't leave him." Snow White's face softened, and she smiled at Rebekah. Oh, Rebekah knew that smile – she often gave it to her when they were growing up and Snow would catch Rebekah watching some of the Kings knights. Rebekah rolled her eyes, "Don't even say it, Snow."

"I didn't say anything." She said innocently.

"I don't like him." Rebekah stressed. But even she didn't believe her own words.

"Oh, no. Of course not." Snow laughed, "You're just willing to go to war against the evilest creature in all the lands, The Dark One, to save this man who you have no romantic feelings for whatsoever. I'm sure this is a normal occurrence for Rumpelstiltskin – someone waging war against him for someone they don't even like."

Rebekah had glared, folding her arms over her chest.

She couldn't even admit out loud that she may have feelings for Jefferson that leaned more towards romantic – she could barely even think it in her own head! Perhaps it was her way of protecting her heart. Jefferson had lied before – why would she open her heart to a man who might lie to her more? Why would she risk the pain of a heartbreak?

But she needed to save him, because it didn't matter to her now that Jefferson had lied or that he was a part of making Regina the evil woman she was now – all that mattered was that Jefferson was safe, and that together they would run from this land and never return.

"Are you ready?" Charming asked Rebekah.

"I am." She replied, lifting her chin as she walked forward on foot while the rest of the army followed behind her on horseback.

Snow White and Charming didn't know about her failsafe though. If she wasn't able to get to Jefferson and use the portal to escape – she would trade herself for him.

Rebekah was the one Rumpelstiltskin truly wanted, after all.

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

Graham had kept his promise, the next morning Rebekah awoke to the smell fresh baked pastries and a magazine on the table next to her bed. She smiled, seeing that Graham had left her note telling her that he would be back later to check up on her, but that he had not wanted to disrupt her sleep. Rebekah had no idea what time it actually was, but the sun was out and she could see some of the nurses walking around in the hallway. Rebekah wasn't too hungry, so she decided to read the magazine Graham had selected (National Geographic, not surprising.) But once she was done reading all the articles, Rebekah frowned, not knowing what to do with herself.

What she needed to do was get up and use the bathroom, maybe wash her face a bit, fix her hair. Who was she kidding? It's not like she was trying to impress anybody. Rebekah moved the covers off of her body, wincing a little at the sharp pain in her side when she got out of bed. Dr. Whale had told her that she had fractured three of her ribs on her right side, which was why she was still hooked up to an IV that would give her pain medication. But she didn't want to take it. When Dr. Whale had given her some last night, she had the strangest dreams. Rebekah got out of the bed, wanting to stretch her legs, though, it was difficult while she was still hooked up to the IV that dispensed pain meds. Rebekah moved to try and take out her IV but stopped when someone startled her.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Rebekah looked up to see Emma hurrying into the room, rushing to her side to help Rebekah stand a bit better and stop her from taking out her IV. "Are you crazy? Prior to what TV shows lead you to believe – you should never rip out an IV." Emma scolded her and Rebekah could help but chuckle, which only caused her to wince again at the pain in her side from the intake of too much air. Rebekah groaned, feeling defeated in her efforts to get up. "What are you doing up?" Emma asked, looking around to see if any of the nurses were around to help keep Rebekah in bed. But, the nurses seemed to have moved to a different section of the hospital. "Weren't you told to stay in bed?"

"It was suggested." Rebekah said, deciding not to fight Emma and instead sat on the edge of her hospital bed. "But I rarely ever listen to what I'm told to do...or suggested to do."

Emma huffed, shaking her head. "Well, at least I know where Henry gets his stubbornness from. Or his inability to listen when someone tells him do something – or to not do something."

Rebekah simply shrugged, smiling a bit. "How is Henry?" She asked.

"He's okay." Emma said, walking over to the box of donuts Graham had brought and swiped one, pulling a piece of dough apart and plopping it into her mouth, "He was super worried about you last night. The kid even tried to skip out on school today so he could keep you company but your sister wasn't going to let that happen." Emma sat down across from Rebekah in one of the lounge chairs in the room for family members to sleep in if they were to stay overnight. "How are your ribs healing?"

"Eh," Rebekah said, moving her hand to her side only to wince again from putting too much pressure on her broken ribs.

"Ashley barely had a scratch on her – how the hell did you end up in worse shape than she did?" Emma asked.

Rebekah couldn't help but give into a light chuckle, not wanting to cause any pain. "-I kinda went full mom on her." She admitted.

"Full mom?" Emma arched her brow.

Rebekah moved her arm out, demonstrating the good old 'mom move' where when someone slams on the breaks while in the car and their child is in the front seat, their hand automatically goes out in front of the child to protect them from injury.

Emma chuckled, understanding what Rebekah meant now. "I had a boyfriend who used to do that – except I was the one driving." That made Rebekah smile. Emma hummed a little, taking another bite of the donut. "These are so good. Who brought you them?"

"Graham."

Emma laughed, "Cops and their donuts." Rebekah moved forward to grab herself one and Emma quickly got up and grabbed the box for her when she saw her struggling. "Here," She opened the box, showing Rebekah her selection and then set it down on the little tray next to Rebekah.

"Aww," Rebekah said with a little smile as she saw that Graham had put in one of her most favorite donuts. It was shaped as a gingerbread man with chocolate frosting and M&M's for the eyes and lips. "My favorite."

Emma looked down at the donut and made a face, "That just screams diabetes." Rebekah stuck her tongue out at Emma who smiled in response . Rebekah picked up the donut only to spot something tucked away under it in the folds of the box. A folded-up note. She smiled, knowing that it must be from Jefferson.

"Emma, will you get me some water?" She asked, "Dr. Whale set it down over there last night." Rebekah pointed towards the door where there was another small serving table with a jug of water.

"You want some fresh water?" She asked.

Rebekah smiled politely and nodded her head, "Yes, please." Emma grabbed the jug and went to go fill it, and once she was gone, Rebekah quickly pulled the note out and hid it under the blankets on the bed. Emma came back quickly with the jug of fresh water as well as a new cup for Rebekah, who sat on the bed picking at the M&M's on her donut and plopping them in her mouth.

Henry's birth mother poured Rebekah a glass of cold water and handed it over before she moved back to the lounge chair. "I have a question." Emma said and Rebekah kinked her brow as she drank her water, hearing the slight hesitance in Emma's tone. Almost as if she were afraid to ask the question. "Are you and," She started to say but quickly waved her hand and shook her head, "Never mind. It's not important."

"Your face says differently." Rebekah smiled at Emma, "What's up?"

"Graham offered me a job at the police station." Emma told Rebekah.

"That's great, Emma!" Rebekah said happily, thrilled that Emma was putting down roots in Storybrooke for Henry.

"Yeah," Emma drew the word out again. "Which is why I wanted to know if you and...Graham?" She didn't finish the question, but it was obvious what she was asking.

"Oh, no. Not at all." Rebekah said, taking a bite of her donut. "I mean, he's handsome and charming and have you seen his eyes?" She said causing Emma to roll her eyes, "But no. He's like an older brother to me." Emma nodded her head, looking down at her lap. "Why? Are you interested in Graham?"

"No!" Emma said quickly, "No. I, he's just flirty and if I were to take the job he offered and you two were together, I wouldn't want you to think that I was trying to get with him."

Rebekah tried her hardest not to laugh, but she couldn't hold it in. The pain in her side was worth it though, seeing Emma stammer over her 'not liking' Graham. "Yeah, he is a bit of a flirt. But, as I said, he's like a brother to me."

He's also sleeping with my sister.

But Rebekah didn't want to tell Emma that. Regina didn't even know that Rebekah knew hers and the Sheriffs dirty little secret – if she told Emma, it might get back to Regina. And Hell hath no fury like Regina Mills while she was angry and Rebekah. Besides, it was clear that Graham was interested in Emma – and it wouldn't be the worst thing if they were to get together. Graham would be free of Regina, and that was nice for anyone.

Emma nodded, but didn't say anything else about Graham, instead, she told Rebekah about how Ashley was doing and what the town was up to – she told her the time, which was nice. It was late afternoon, so Rebekah had been asleep for quite some time now. When it started to get closer to Henry getting out of school, Emma left Rebekah to go pick him up so she could take him out before his mandatory therapy sessions.

"Give him a kiss for me," Rebekah had said and Emma was clearly uncomfortable by what Rebekah was asking.

"Yeah, uh – I'll pass along that." She said awkwardly.

Rebekah understood that affection was hard for Emma – and showing affection to the son she had put up for adoption was hard as well. So, if Emma weren't to give him a kiss on the head for Rebekah, she wouldn't hold it against her. When Emma was gone, Rebekah pulled the note out from under her blankets and quickly unfolded it so she could read what Jefferson had written her.

Bex,
You don't need to apologize. Just know that I am here and I am waiting.
-Jefferson

It wasn't long. And it was a little bit confusing. But Rebekah found it oddly comforting. She traced her finger over the words he had written and closed her eyes for a moment.

"Rebekah?" She opened her eyes and saw Dr. Whale was standing by the door. "How are you feeling?" He asked, walking into the room. Rebekah folded up the piece of paper and shoved it under the blankets again. "You slept for quite a while."

"I'm feeling better." She lied. And Dr. Whale could see that she was lying, given the raise of his brows and his skeptical expression. "Okay, I'm not feeling one hundred percent better. My ribs still hurt."

He chuckled, "Well, they don't heal overnight, unfortunately. It's going to be about six weeks of being very careful and icing your side numerous times a day."

"When can I go home?" Rebekah asked Dr. Whale.

He frowned. "I'd like you to stay until the end of the week." Rebekah narrowed her eyes at him and he smiled, "But – if I were to do that you'd probably try and escape." He teased causing Rebekah to nod her head, agreeing with him. "-So, if you don't want to stay a week, you have to agree to stay until tomorrow evening, and then I will let you be released."

It was another night and another day in the damn hospital bed. But it was better than staying an entire week.

"Deal?" Dr. Whale asked.

"Deal." Rebekah agreed.

"Good." Dr. Whale asked. "Now, I am going to head out to grab a bite to eat at Granny's – would you like me to pick you up something to eat or are you good with your donuts?" He pointed to the box full of sugary treats.

"Tea!" Rebekah requested. "Granny knows my order." Dr. Whale chuckled and nodded his head, "Thank you, Doc." She smiled as he walked out of her room.

Rebekah moved herself back into her bed, pulling the covers over her and hiding the note from Jefferson under her pillow and closed her eyes. A bit more sleep wouldn't kill her. And it wasn't like she had company or something to keep her entertained.

Her dreams would have to do that for her.

_________________________________

ENCHANTED FOREST

"I'd like to say I didn't see this coming," Rumpelstiltskin giggled as he walked up to Rebekah, "But, I did." He raised his hand, revealing an eye – a seer's eye.

"And what is the outcome?" Rebekah asked, one hand on her hip. "I think I'm at a disadvantage since I never killed a seer and stole her sight."

Rumpelstiltskin clapped his hands and giggled again, "Well, I could always teach you how."

She glared, "After what you turned my sister into?" She let out a harsh laugh, "Do you honestly think I would ever practice the dark arts? Let alone have you be my teacher?" Rebekah raised her brows, not amused in the slightest. He continued to smile and Rebekah glared, "And besides; Cora already had you test my blood to see if I had the gift – and I don't."

She reminded him, letting him know that she knew about the test Cora had him do.

"Smart one, you are." Rumpelstiltskin said, looking at the army behind Rebekah. "And it seems – willing to do anything to get back your beloved."

"He's not my beloved – I owe him a debt." Rebekah corrected Rumpelstiltskin, not because she wanted to deny her feelings, but because she didn't want that monster using them against her. "And I intend to keep it."

"Oh, and you will." He said, walking circles around Rebekah. She hissed in pain when she felt him yank a piece of her hair, she looked at him and watched as he pinched it between his fingers. He then held out his empty hand and a small bottle appeared with a cloud of purple smoke. Inside of it, there was already another strand of hair, and when he dropped in her own strand of hair, the two intertwined and began to glow.

"What is that?" Rebekah demanded an answer. He simply giggled and her anger got the best of her, she reached for her dagger and held it to his throat. "I don't know what kind of magic or spell you are trying to create – but if you do not bring me Jefferson, I will-"

"Kill me?" He grinned, teeth gold and rotten. "Oh, I'm sorry, dearie. You'd need a different dagger to do that!" Rebekah felt the dagger leave her hand, disappearing with another purple cloud and suddenly Rumpelstiltskin was holding the dagger in his hand. Rebekah could hear the horses running down the hill, Snow and Charming shouting commands to their army when they saw she was in danger. Rumpelstiltskin grinned and Rebekah knew that no matter how strong Snow and Charming's army was – they would never be able to defeat the monster in front of her. So, she held up her hand up in the air, telling them to stop. It took a moment, but the sound of the army nearing stopped, and she could only hear the sound of restless horses wanting to move forward.

"I'm willing to trade places with Jefferson." Rebekah told the man. "I'm the one you wanted from the start – that's why you had Jefferson rescue me from my sister. Let him go and I will gladly trade places with him."

Rumpelstiltskin grinned again and tucked Rebekah's dagger into his coat and then raised his hand, pressing his thumb and middle finger together and snapped. Jefferson fell on the ground at her feet. He looked up at her with wide eyes, completely shocked that he was looking up at her. She smiled softly at him before swallowing hard. His eyes met her and those beautiful blue eyes became panicked.

"No!" Jefferson said, knowing what she must have done. She stepped around Jefferson only to have him reach at her leg, trying to stop her from going any closer to Rumpelstiltskin. "Rebekah, don't!"

"I paid my debt to you." Rebekah said, looking down at him.

"Please!" He begged, standing up to go after her. But Rumpelstiltskin created an invisible barrier between them, one that Jefferson could not cross.

Rebekah forced herself to look away from Jefferson and to Rumpelstiltskin. He was still grinning, and then he started to giggle again. "I'm glad you find this so amusing." She glared, trying to keep her tears at bay.

"No, my dearie, I find something else amusing – though, you thinking that I'd keep you as my prisoner is quite funny." He giggled again. "I got what I wanted." He reached for her hair, bringing it to his nose and inhaling deeply. "You and my old friend Jefferson are free to go – his debt has been paid."

She didn't understand, but she never got the chance to ask him what he meant, or why he was letting them go, the Dark One vanished.

Rebekah felt her shoulder being grabbed, and soon enough, she was spun around and suddenly she was pressed against Jefferson's chest and his arms encircled around her middle tightly. The barrier had disappeared just as Rumpelstiltskin had, "I told you to run." His voice was harsh, but he kept holding onto her.

She couldn't help but chuckle, "I owed you a debt." Rebekah replied and he tensed, so Rebekah moved her arms to hold onto him as well, hugging him back just as tight as he was hugging her. They didn't pull apart until Snow shouted her name, that was when they saw the woman and her husband running up to them.

"You have to leave!" Snow told Rebekah in one quick breath. "Word has reached Regina that you're in this realm – she could appear at any moment!"

Rebekah quickly took off the top hat and set it on the ground, spinning it to create a portal. Rebekah looked to Snow, "Thank you. For everything." She wished they had more time, that they could have a proper goodbye or send off, but she and Jefferson needed to leave.

"Be happy, Rebekah." Snow said.

She nodded again and then felt her cheeks warm when Jefferson moved his hand to link with hers, his thumb rubbing against the back of her palm. Rebekah smiled at Snow one more time before she and Jefferson jumped through the portal, leaving the Enchanted Forest before Regina could find them.

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

Jefferson had gone to see Rebekah. He saw her with their daughter, watched as she clutched onto her chest above her heart after their Grace had kissed her cheek and said goodbye. He watched as tears fell down her face and couldn't stop his own tears from falling too.

He thought that maybe Rebekah had it easier not having her memories of their family but seeing the heartbreak on her face and then confusion as to why she was feeling that way was even worse than remembering. Because Jefferson could cling to his memories to get him through the dark days. But Rebekah had no idea who Grace was, and why it hurt so badly to say goodbye to their daughter.

Because she wasn't their daughter in this world, at least, not to Rebekah.

She must have been so confused, not understanding her own emotions. And Jefferson wanted nothing more than to hold her in that moment. But when she caught his eye, he froze. There was nothing he could say or do to soothe her. She had that look in her eyes that let Jefferson know that there was nothing that could possibly console her. Before, he would try anyways. He'd hold her and press kisses to her head until her body would relax. But when he pulled away, she still had the same expression. And he knew that as much as she loved him and he loved her – her sadness was just something he couldn't cure with tight embraces and sweet kisses. Rebekah would just need to feel that sadness until she was able to push through it all. And afterwards she'd come up to him and press her lips to his in a long kiss and whisper to him that she loved him, and how she was so thankful he had rescued her.

Rebekah didn't remember that he rescued her – and she barely knew him. If he ran up to her and took her in his arms to hold her – she'd be even more confused, and it may cause her to grow even more sad. And there wouldn't be a moment for her to realize that Jefferson loved her and had rescued her from her sister, because in Storybrooke, they were strangers.

So, he hid until she fell asleep and went into her room and sat next to her bedside and held her hand. He pressed soft kisses to her knuckles, closing his eyes as he moved her hand to his cheek, finally being able to feel her touch again after so long without it.

But he dropped it the moment the door slammed shut and Regina was at her sister's bedside immediately. "You have got to be kidding me!" She hissed. "Do you not remember our conversation, Jefferson?"

"I just wanted to make sure she was okay." He said. Jefferson knew it was a risk to come – but so was writing to her. And he had done that. Jefferson just needed to see her in person to make sure she was fine, that she was safe, that Regina hadn't done anything to her. And then he saw her with their Grace and knew that he should leave immediately – but he couldn't. He just needed to hold her, even if it was just holding her hand while she slept. Which she did, quite soundly. Jefferson had thought about pressing a kiss to her lips, hoping that somehow, it'd wake her from her curse.

But he remembered Regina's threat. She had her heart; and if that wicked woman ever found out that Rebekah was awake, she'd crush her heart. And then Grace would be without a mother. And that was not fair to their sweet girl.

"I told you to stay away." She said, her tone serious. "Or would you like to suffer the consequences?" She remined him of the threat she had made against Grace.

He shook his head, "I don't believe you'd hurt your niece – she's innocent, and even you aren't that cold hearted."

Regina had chuckled darkly, "I killed my own father to create this curse."

She was truly evil, no empathy towards anyone but herself. She had killed her father, Rebekah's father, a man who she loved so much. Rebekah used to speak about him during the first few months that they were traveling the realms, hopping through portals. And the way she spoke about her father just showed Jefferson how big her heart truly was and got a glimpse of what it might be like to be loved by Rebekah by listening to the way she spoke about Henry Mills.

A man who Regina had named her adoptive son after. The man she had killed to create this hellish curse. "Stay away from Rebekah. If you don't, I promise I will make you suffer."

He left, looking down at Rebekah one last time before glaring at her older sister. "When this curse is broken – I hope you find yourself far away from here. Because Rebekah will be wanting vengeance."

Regina had smirked, but he could see the fear in her eyes.

Rebekah had passion. Sometimes that passion had fire – if someone were to hurt the ones she loved, she wouldn't sleep until justice was served. Jefferson learned that before they had even shared their first kiss. He got captured and Rebekah had come with an army to get him back. Back to her. No one had ever cared about Jefferson enough to do something like that. And that's when he realized what he should have realized before; Rebekah Mills was his one true love. She wasn't just a way to pay his debt, she wasn't the pest who could've got the both of them killed, she wasn't the girl who had rescued him from being beheaded by King Arthur, she wasn't just some girl he had growing feelings for. She was the love of his life, his true love, his happily ever after. And he swore that he'd make her realize that he was hers too, no matter how long it took.

And he had.

But he would stay away. Because the curse wasn't broken and Regina was still very much in charge. He couldn't go against her knowing that it may cost Rebekah her life. That was just a risk he wasn't willing to take.

He decided to stay away.

That was until he heard a loud boom and his house began to shake violently.

And before he even realized it; Jefferson was in his car on his way to the hospital to make sure that Rebekah was safe.

He couldn't let her go. He had done it once before because he had made a promise to his wife to stay with their daughter. But he refused to lose her again. Jefferson just had to be much more careful when it came to visiting Rebekah, and that would mean paying off a few people.

It didn't matter to him, money wasn't important. Rebekah was. And she always would be.

_________________________________

LAND WITHOUT COLOR

"You stayed." Jefferson said, the two of them sitting by the fireplace in Victor Frankenstein's mansion. He watched her look down at her hands, not looking him in the eyes. It made him smile, oddly enough. Rebekah could have stayed in the last realm they had portal jumped to while they fled to escape Regina. But when Jefferson spoke of going to stay with Victor, Rebekah had told him that she would go along too. It was not her asking his permission – it was her telling him that she was going whether he liked it or not. And he felt his heart hammer against his chest when she stole the hat off the top of his head and placed it down on the ground, spinning it to create the portal. And then she grabbed his hand and looked over at him and uttered the word; together. He was speechless but nodded his head and jumped with her.

He didn't understand why she chose to stay – or maybe he did. Rebekah might not know why she stayed with him, but Jefferson was starting to understand.

He was in love with Rebekah. And it wasn't just young first love – it was more than that. Jefferson was becoming aware that Rebekah was not just some young woman who he fancied, but she was the one. His true love. She didn't realize it – yet. But he was determined to prove it to her. Because if she felt just a sliver of what he felt for her, Rebekah wouldn't fight it.

The man knew she was stubborn but looked forward to opening her eyes to the truth.

"Why do you think he took a strand of my hair?" Rebekah asked, ignoring his previous statement. He forced himself not to laugh – he had grown to realize whenever Rebekah did not want to answer a question – or if she was afraid of where the conversation was going, she'd change the subject. Rebekah moved her body to mirror his and continued on with her question, "He placed it in a little bottle with another strand of hair."

His hair.

"Perhaps it was a test?" He said.

Jefferson knew the test – place two hairs together and if they connect together and create a glow; the two people were destined for the other, it was a part of true loves magic. He was right. And he couldn't help but smile.

"A test for what? To see if I have magic?" Jefferson didn't answer, he only smiled at her. She raised her brow up at him, tilting her head a bit. "What aren't you telling me?" She asked, "I'm not going to turn into some sort of animal, am I?" Rebekah said, smiling at Jefferson.

He laughed and shook his head, "No, I don't believe he'll turn you into an animal. But you'd make a lovely little doe." Jefferson smirked.

Rebekah rolled her eyes and turned her body away from his and towards the fire place. "You'd tell me if I was in danger, right?" She kept her eyes on the fire.

"Yes." Jefferson told her. "But you're not in any danger, love."

Rebekah peered over at him, amusement in her eyes, her brow lifting yet again. "A new pet-name?" She teased. Jefferson laughed and nodded his head. She smiled and then shrugged her shoulders, "I guess it's better than princess."

Jefferson smiled, watching Rebekah throughout the rest of the night as they dined with Victor, and when they went off to their separate bedrooms, he lingered at her door after she had already gone inside. He had wanted to kiss her – but he decided that their first kiss would be initiated by Rebekah. Because he would not force her into realizing her feelings for him, he wanted her to get there on her own.

But once she did finally kiss him? Oh, he swore he would never stop.

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

Rebekah woke up to a thunderous sound and the floors below her shaking, the glass of water on the table next to her bed shattering as it hit the floor, and the bed rocking forward. She gripped onto the sides of the bed until the shaking stopped. That's when people in the hospital started running around, shouting orders and igniting a panic in Rebekah. What had happened? Did they just have an earthquake? Her entire life – Rebekah had never experienced an earth quake! And she did not like the feeling of one. A nurse came into her bedroom, a worried look on her face.

"Miss Mills, are you okay?" She asked, moving to check Rebekah's vitals.

"I'm fine," Rebekah said, looking past the woman to see more people running through the hospital. "-What happened? Do we need to evacuate?" She asked.

"No," The nurse said, but she didn't sound very sure. "No, and I'm not sure what happened, but I've heard some say there was some sort of explosion."

"An explosion?" Rebekah said in a gasp. "Are you sure?"

A male nurse came in, Rebekah recognized him as one of Ruby's many suitors. "-It was an explosion – and now there's a sink hole."

"Where?" Rebekah asked.

The male nurse ignored her and continued talking about how Ruby was at the sinkhole now and he was going over with the ambulances to see if anyone had been injured from the explosion. They both left and Rebekah scrunched her face up in anger. She needed to know more than they were telling her. Where was the explosion? What caused it?

She understood that it had just happened, but this whole thing worried her. Rebekah needed to get in touch with her family, to see if Henry was safe. Rebekah got out of bed, wincing a little at the pain and moved over to the chair where her overnight bag was that Emma had brought for her.

"Not so fast," Rebekah groaned as Dr. Whale caught her trying to leave. "I thought we made a deal."

"Aren't you needed elsewhere?" Rebekah huffed, going through her bag. "-Do you really need to be in my room right now? There was just an explosion and I'm sure they could use your help over there."

Dr. Whale chuckled at her snark, "Regina called. She wants me to stay at the hospital in case there are any people hurt – it's easier to treat someone in the OR, rather than on scene."

Rebekah turned to look at Dr. Whale, "Ye have little faith in yourself, Whale." She smiled, but her words caused him to frown and it made her raise her brow. He was always one to laugh at her jokes – and she hadn't meant it as an insult. No, there was something he wasn't telling her. "-Is Henry okay?" She asked, feeling panic rising in her chest at the thought of him being hurt.

"Yes." He said quickly, hearing the panic in her voice. "-He was with Dr. Hopper during the explosion."

"So why are you acting so weird?" Rebekah questioned. If it wasn't Henry...that left one person in Rebekah's family who might have been injured. "Is it Regina?" She didn't sound as concerned about her sister possibly being hurt compared to her panicked voice when she asked if Henry was okay.

"She's safe."

So, why was he acting so strange? Oh, that awful woman. Rebekah understood why Dr. Whale was staying in the hospital and why he was in her room right now. "She asked you to keep an eye on me, didn't she?" He didn't answer. Which was answer enough. "Okay, I'm leaving." Rebekah told Whale in a state of irritation. "I'm signing myself out and the only way you are going to make me stay is if you strap me down to this bed – I am not going to be held captive here because Regina wants to control my life!" She huffed in anger, pulling out a pair of clean clothes. "-I bet she was the one to tell you to make me stay a week, didn't she? What was going to happen tomorrow when you were supposed to release me, Whale?" Rebekah turned to face him, narrowing her eyes at him. "-Were you going to make up some medical excuse for me to stay?"

Dr. Whale sighed, rubbing above his brow. "Yes, that was the plan." He admitted. There was no use in lying to Rebekah – she would get the real answers out of him. "But, I was going to speak with your sister and tell her that it would be easier for you to heal in your own home."

"She doesn't care if I heal or not, Whale. This is about control! And I refuse to let that woman control me any longer." Rebekah looked at him but before he could reply, a nurse came in.

"-You're needed on the fifth floor."

Whale inhaled deeply and looked to the nurse, "Fine. But you stay with her. Do not let her leave."

"I will." The nurse said and when Rebekah opened her mouth to yell at her, she saw someone standing in the hallway, a finger pressed to his lips telling her not to say anything. Jefferson. He was here again. She fought to urge to smile and looked to Dr. Whale.

"You can't keep me here forever." She told him. When she looked to the hallway again, Jefferson was out of sight. "Go on," She motioned to the door, "Go save lives while I'm kept a prisoner."

He sighed, "I am sorry, Rebekah."

She felt a little guilty watching him leave, knowing that he believed she was still angry at him. She was, but if she acted as if everything was fine – he'd suspect something was up. And then he wouldn't leave. Dr. Whale was a big boy, Rebekah being slightly rude to him was something he'd get over. The nurse walked over to her, "I'll shut the blinds in the room to keep you from not being able to sleep from all the chaos outside. I'll check in," She looked at her watch, "Every fifteen minutes." No, Rebekah did not want to go to sleep – she wanted to go see Jefferson.

And just like that, he slipped into the room.

The nurse looked over at Jefferson, "I'll try and give you a heads up if the Mayor comes – but if she finds out, I had no part in this." She said and Rebekah watched as Jefferson handed her cash. She looked to him with wide eyes. He had paid the woman so he could see her? For some odd reason, it made her heart race and her body warm at the thought of Jefferson going so far just to see her.

The nurse left and Rebekah looked at Jefferson in silence. "You're here." She finally said.

He nodded, almost looking scared. "I am."

"Why?" She whispered.

It took a while for him to answer, but he kept his eyes on hers the entire time. "I needed to make sure you were safe."

Rebekah nodded, not really knowing what to say. He came to check on her, and it made her insides warm and her heart race, but she didn't understand why – and if she showed him just how happy his words had made her; he might find her odd. "I got your note." She said instead, changing the subject.

Jefferson smiled, as if he were in on something she didn't understand. Some sort of inside joke that she was unaware of. "I'm glad the Sheriff was able to deliver."

She smiled, looking down at the ground, not knowing what to say. "Y'know, if Regina finds you here – she'll probably put a hit out on you." Rebekah teased and looked back up at him but he swallowed hard at her words. "That was a joke." She clarified, seeing how uneasy he was becoming.

He nodded, his smile forced. "I know."

"Are you sure?" She kinked her brow, smiling a little to try and give him a little bit of ease. "I mean, it wasn't my best joke – but I've told worse before," She said and that got a real chuckle out of Jefferson. The sound of him laughing made her so happy, "See?" Rebekah grinned.

He bit down hard on his lower lip as he looked at Rebekah, "Let's get out of here." Jefferson said suddenly, his eyes warm and smile enchanting.

Rebekah couldn't help but let out a nervous little chuckle, "Where?" She asked anyway, instead of telling him he was mad for even suggesting they leave.

"Wherever you want. We'll go. Together."

Rebekah felt something inside her stir at his word choice. Together. Why did it sound so familiar to her? Even the way he said it, the sound of his voice, it was as if she were able to hear him say it a hundred other times in her head. Rebekah looked away from him, still not understanding her own emotions at that moment.

Her head screamed a reminder that if she were to leave right now with Jefferson, Regina would come after her, she'd find them together, and she'd never allow her to see Henry again.

And yet,

"My apartment." Rebekah told him. If she simply went back to her apartment, Regina would show up there and see that she was alright, that she hadn't run off with a man she deemed dangerous – that Rebekah was safe from whatever harm Regina believed Jefferson would cause her.

Jefferson blinked in surprise, almost as if he didn't think she'd take up his offer.

She smiled, using her finger to motion for him to turn around so that she could change into her own clothes and out of the hospital gown. He did as she told him and Rebekah quickly dressed and gathered her things. The young woman left first, going down to check herself out of the hospital and then started her walk to her apartment.

Jefferson would stay back and, in an hour, he'd come to her apartment. He had protested, not wanting Rebekah to walk all the way to her apartment while she was still in pain. But he seemed to know that arguing with Rebekah when she had already made up her mind was pointless.

What the hell are you thinking? Rebekah scolded herself as she walked up the stairs to her apartment floor. You invite a man you hardly know back to your apartment...for what? Scrabble? She shook her own thoughts away and pulled out her keys, hands shaking as she fiddled with the lock.

Rebekah closed the door, pressing her back against it after she locked it. She took in a deep breath only to wince in pain. But she still felt like she needed to take in another deep breath to calm herself. Instead, she closed her eyes. Why was she so nervous?

You know why.

He was handsome, he was kind, and his eyes were the most beautiful shade of blue Rebekah had ever seen before. She was attracted to Jefferson and she was quite sure he was attracted to her as well. So, inviting a man over to your place at night probably wasn't the smartest idea when she constantly caught her eyes lingering to his lips whenever he'd speak.

Rebekah opened her eyes and saw what a mess she had left her apartment and frantically began to clean up before Jefferson came over.

Be smart, she thought.

No matter how handsome Jefferson was or how blue his eyes were or the strange connection she felt towards him – Her relationship with Henry was on the line if Regina were to catch them.

Be very, very smart.

_________________________________

LAND WITHOUT COLOR

"Where's Victor?" Rebekah asked, walking into the study. They had been staying with the Doctor for nearly a month now. They could have continued to portal jump – but Rebekah had asked to stay in one place for more than a week. Jefferson had surprisingly agreed with her. And she found it odd, seeing as for the last few years all he had ever done was jump from place to place, never staying in one land for long. Each morning she woke up, she expected to find a note from him telling her that he couldn't handle staying any longer, and that he had left her behind.

But he had yet to do that.

Each morning she'd come downstairs and find Jefferson and Victor having breakfast.

There was no note this morning, but she hadn't found either of the men in the kitchen. It made her palms sweat and Rebekah could hear her pulse beating loudly in her ears, but she pushed her legs forward and searched the mansion until she found Jefferson.

The man looked up from the book he was reading, and though in this land everything was in black and white, Rebekah could see him perfectly colored. She could see his dark brown hair and his grey-ish blue eyes, the color of his skin. Perhaps it was just from memory? But in this world of black and white, she still saw Jefferson in color. He smiled when her saw her, shutting his book and standing up. "He had to go across the mountains to the nearest town." He explained.

"Oh," Rebekah said, looking down at her feet when Jefferson made his way over to her. "I, he, how long will he be gone?" She asked, stammering over her own words – not really knowing what to say or ask.

"Two, three days." Jefferson answered her. He was standing in front of her now, her eyes still on the floor when his pointy leather shoes came into view. "Did you need something?"

"No," Rebekah told him, finally looking up at him. "I just," She cleared her throat, still not knowing what to say. Because lately, the way she would catch Jefferson watching her, the way he looked at her – it was enough to make her flesh break out in a shiver, her stomach would clench and her cheeks would burn. He had looked at her like this before, she believed. But now? She couldn't just playfully roll her eyes at his flirtations or lingering gazes.

Now – Rebekah would flush red and feel something fluttering in her stomach while her heart raced.

She forced a smile, trying to pretend she wasn't feeling the way she was, "Who will cook for us?" Rebekah said and Jefferson grinned down at her.

"I do know how to cook." He said, still grinning.

Rebekah raised her brows at that, pleasantly surprised. "And after how long we've been together – you're just now telling me this?" Together. Jefferson was now the one to raise his brows in amusement, his smile so bright it might blind anyone one else. "Traveling." Rebekah quickly corrected herself. "Traveling together."

He chuckled and began to walk around her, circling her like she was prey. "Well, we haven't been together...traveling," Jefferson smirked as he passed her briefly, "for too long. Surely we don't know every single thing about one another," He was behind her now, fingers running down the length of her arm until his fingers intertwined with hers, "-Hidden talents," Jefferson spun Rebekah around causing her to laugh as he placed his hand up, bowing slightly and inviting her to dance. She grinned and bowed back to him before pressing her hand against his, "I have many hidden talents." He grinned as led Rebekah in the dance.

"And where did you learn this hidden talent?" She asked, switching their positions so that she was now leading. It was a dance she had learned as a little girl after Regina had married the King. Jefferson laughed, shaking his head but allowed her to do so, only to take the lead once more after surprising her by lifting her up in the air, slowly lowering her back so her feet could touch the floor once more. Rebekah took in a shaky breath when he dipped her, his hand resting on the back of her head as he did so. Jefferson pulled her back to him and the two continued on with their dance. Rebekah kept her eyes glued to Jefferson's as she swallowed hard but continued on with what she had been saying earlier, "Did you learn this dance from sneaking into castles throughout all the realms to fool the royals so you could steal their treasures?" She smirked, trying to keep a calm composure while her heart beat at a dangerously high speed.

There was no music playing in the house, but Rebekah could hear the instruments playing in her head, she could imagine people around them dancing as well. It wasn't possible – but it all felt so real.

"Perhaps," He told her as he lifted his hand up so she could twirl under him. "Or maybe I was taught this as a boy."

Rebekah bit down on her lower lip when he hoisted her up, his hand resting on her belly while he slowly spun them. His hand moved off of her stomach and up to her cheek, just as her hand moved to rest on the side of his neck while they continued on with the dance.

When the dance was over and the music playing in her head slowly quieted, Jefferson held onto her hand as he got on his knee, bowing his head to her. Rebekah felt her breath catch in her throat when he placed his lips to her open palm. His head lifted and he looked up at her before he rose to his feet.

"Impressed?" He asked once he was looking down at her again.

She nodded wordlessly, her eyes locking with his. Jefferson smiled softly down at her, his hand moving to her cheek to cup it, his thumb now rubbing against her soft skin. Rebekah opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out.

"Bex," He said her name in a soft whisper.

And she couldn't help herself. Rebekah slowly moved forward, standing up on her toes to reach him as she closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his in a sweet kiss. When he kissed her back, Rebekah quickly pulled away from him, realizing what had just happened, her fingers now pressed to her lips that had just been kissing his. "I'm sorry," She apologized as she shook her head, "I shouldn't have-" He stopped her from saying anything further when his lips silenced hers.

When the kiss was over, and she slowly pulled her lips away from his, Jefferson moved down so he could press his forehead against hers. "Don't ever apologize for kissing me, Bex." He whispered, voice rougher than it had been before, and it made her smile. So, Rebekah used her tongue to wet her lips and looked up at him before she pressed her lips to his again, and she felt his lips curve into a smile against her own.

Rebekah had no idea how Jefferson had learned how to dance, and it didn't matter. Because they were lost in their own little world and the music was playing in her head again and her stomach was leaping around inside her and Jefferson had pulled her closer to him and her arms circled around his neck as he deepened the kiss.

She wished that the moment would last forever. Or that this was her first kiss. Because it was the most magical feeling she had ever felt in her entire life.

And she swore to herself that she would never forget it.

_________________________________

STORYBROOKE, Maine

It was morning.

When Rebekah had opened her door last night, it was Regina on the other side and not Jefferson. The woman had barged in like a wildfire, telling Rebekah that she needed to go back to the hospital to be monitored. But, Rebekah refused. She told Regina that she knew the truth – that Regina had wanted Dr. Whale to keep her at the hospital for much longer than she needed to stay.

Regina had denied it, but still asked if Dr. Whale had been the one to tell Rebekah the 'lie'.

Rebekah told Regina that her question only proved her suspicion. Because she didn't want to throw Whale under the bus, even if he had tried to keep her in the hospital longer than she needed to be. Regina stayed and interrogated Rebekah for a solid hour, and that was when she realized that Jefferson must have seen Regina go into her building – that, or he stood her up. She'd like to believe it was him seeing Regina.

Her sister had stayed for another hour and gave Rebekah a bottle of pain killers and was instructed to only take one before bed. It was the only way Regina would leave. But after the hour was up and Regina had left, Jefferson never came to her door. So, she went to bed after taking just one of her pain meds and tried to push back the hurt she felt caused by Jefferson not coming by.

And when she woke up that morning, all she felt was real, physical pain.

Maybe she should have stayed in the hospital?

Her body ached and she could barely drag herself out of bed when she heard someone knocking on her front door. "Coming!" She grumbled, still in the clothes she had worn the night before when she left the hospital. The sun was bright in her apartment and Rebekah shielded the light with her hand.

Her entire body ached, and she wanted nothing more than to crawl back into her bed and sleep for the rest of the day. But the knocking continued. Once she was at the door, the ache from her broken ribs was nearly unbearable, the pain making her feel like she was about to get sick. But she managed to open the door. Rebekah looked up to see Jefferson standing on the other side of the door. He smiled, and then she fell to the ground and everything drifted away into darkness.