text; un: goaskalice

[royalpassport]

We're all stories. Tell me yours, and I'll tell you mine.

(Preferably over tea.)

Don't forget to start with "Once upon a time..."

Comments

[jolting]

Then you already know me, though it's been years since we spoke.

Before Storybrooke, even.

[royalpassport]

[ Pause pause pause... ]

Mr. Gold?

[ LOOK. It's been a long time since he's read Frankenstein. So he's reading the wrong thing into the Prometheus connection. ]

[jolting]

I'm going to let that slide and let you try again.

video;

[royalpassport]

[ AND NOW: it finally clicks. He'll even switch to video for this! Even if he's peering and looking quizzical. ]

Dr. Whale?

video;

[jolting]

[he lets out an irritated sigh]

If you must, though I prefer my real name.

video;

[royalpassport]

In my defense, the last time I called you by your real name, people called me crazy.

[ But he starts to smile. ]

It's been a while, Doc.

[jolting]

We're all mad here. [he gives Jeff a faint smile]

Been a while.

[royalpassport]

Promise me this place isn't half as mad as Wonderland. How long have you been here?

[jolting]

I've never been to Wonderland, but it's safe to assume this place is more sane.

About a month, I think. [he pauses] When you're settled, I'd like to talk with you. I have questions.

[royalpassport]

Make me some tea, and I'll answer your questions. I have to get out of this dorm they've stuck me in.

[jolting]

Fine. We'll have tea.

I was given a private residence. Maybe that'll suit you better.

[royalpassport]

[ ...you got a private room? UNFAIR. Jefferson nods. ]

Much better. Just tell me which one's yours, and I'll be on my way.

[jolting]

Fourth floor, room six.

ACTION;

[royalpassport]

[ One drama queen, coming right up. Once he reaches Victor's door, Jefferson just... flings the door open and marches in.

All things considered, he seems to be in good spirits about his displacement!

...

This is because he's masking his angst under layers of scarves and sarcasm. ]

I liked your spooky castle better.

[jolting]

[he expected this, and already started the tea in anticipation. He briefly moves away to close the door again. At Jefferson's comment, he wrinkles his nose]

You preferred the dark, cold castle with only oil lamps and candles for lighting instead of the warm room with electricity?

To each their own, I guess.

[royalpassport]

[ His lips curl into a smile, a playfulness rising to the surface that had very nearly been beaten out of him, thanks to the curse. ]

Well, when you put it like that....

[ He flops onto the closest chair and looks around. ]

How'd you arrange for a private room?

[jolting]

Don't know. They just gave me one.

[his eyes spark a bit. It's been years, but he recognizes that playful look]

I heard you were in Storybrooke, but somehow we never crossed paths.

[royalpassport]

[ Now Jefferson's smile grows a bit sad, though it passes quickly. At least this is one reunion he can enjoy, and he'd like to have that for as long as he can, before guilt and trauma comes crashing down on him again. ]

I tend to keep to myself these days. [ A confession that's loaded with unpleasantness. So he moves on with another wry remark: ] Easier to avoid the sheriff that way.

[ BOTH CHARMING AND SWAN. ]

[jolting]

Yeah. That doesn't work so well when you're the only doctor in town.

[he says it in an almost fond way, though. Despite everything, he does like the Charmings. They're pretty much the only people aside from Ruby who seem to like him]

Speaking of them... sort of, I wanted to ask you something. What... what do young girls like? There's-- I'm sort of looking after a girl here, and... I'd like to have things here for when she visits.

[royalpassport]

[ Blink.

Blink blink.

WHAT. ]

You're... a child's guardian? [ His reaction, in fact, has little to do with surprise over Victor being a guardian, so much as ten thousand issues regarding his own fatherly status. ] Victor, what's going on?

[jolting]

Sort of. Emma's her guardian, but she'll be spending time here, too. She-- [Victor can't find the words to explain. "Assistant" is correct, but doesn't seem like a good enough word]

I sort of assigned myself to be her guardian when Emma is busy.

[royalpassport]

[ Oh dear god. Emma's here, too.

G R E A T. That won't be awkward. Jefferson sighs and rubs his eyes tiredly. ]

Stuffed animals.

[ That's what little girls like. ]

[jolting]

Stuffed animals. [he lets out a shaky breath. It's a good start. Now to change the subject]

Did they give you a job here?

[royalpassport]

Get me the materials, and I can make one.

[ He's made plenty for Grace, after all.

And boy does he welcome this change of subject, even if he's wrinkling his nose. ]

They offered me a job at a casino. [ Which, of course, would've been perfect for the Jefferson that Victor knew. BUT TIME'S PASSED AND THINGS HAVE CHANGED. He's not so sure if he should be in the business of conning anymore. ]

[jolting]

[he shook his head. He can take care of that himself.

Victor's lip twitches] Sounds about right. I'm still a doctor, but this hospital is staffed more, so I just fill in where I'm needed. It's a nice change of pace.