Filled with high pointed arches and tall pillars, the ballroom was illuminated by the strangest, most beautiful floating golden orbs. Arista had never seen anything quite like them; they reminded her of stars pulled down from the sky. They swirled hypnotically, drifting from the very top of the high ceiling to only a few feet above them and she reached a hand out to touch one. Before her fingers could make contact, she regained her senses. The mermaid let her fingers fall, remembering what her father had taught her about the dangers that often hid behind such lights.

An arm looped around her waist from behind and she almost didn't recognize it without its usual black leather. Jefferson pressed his lips to the side of her jaw as he presented her with a long stem glass filled with a sparkling pale yellow liquid. "Ever have champagne before?"

"No."

"You'll enjoy this." He slipped around her on his heel and clinked their glasses together with a wink.

Arista let her gaze drift over his body. Jefferson looked rather different without his coat. Not quite as big; quite a bit thinner without the heavy leather to bulk him up. Without the scarf covering his throat, she could see the line where tan skin became gritty with stubble and the mermaid tipped her glass up to resist the urge to stroke it.

The champagne was sweet on her palate. It warmed the back of her throat with alcohol and made her nose tingle a touch, but it was considerably better than any wine she'd ever had. When he arched a brow at her, the woman nodded her approval and downed the glass.

Eyes wide, Jefferson blinked. Instead of saying anything, he merely followed her lead and finished off his own drink in a few harsh gulps. Cheeks warm, the Hatter took her empty glass.

A waiter collected it and disappeared without a word.

After wiping his mouth on his sleeve, he asked, "Are you ready to try dancing?"

Arista beamed at his eager expression. "Yes."

"Good." Offering her a bow, he held a hand out to her. A crooked grin slipped over his lips as she slid her fingers against his own. With a squeeze, the portal jumper gave them a yank. The mermaid shrieked as she hit his chest. His hand wrapped tightly around her waist, Jefferson peered down at her with a roguish smirk. "Now follow my lead."

Arista glared at him, but her grin only brightened. Cheeks a faint pink, she struggled in his arms. "You are such a-"

"Uh, uh, uh, there's no need for name calling, Ris."

She bumped their foreheads together. His smile widened and he leaned down to kiss her- a proper kiss, but the young woman pulled back. Her eyes glittered with mischief as a thought struck her. She knew just how she was going to trick him into liking her natural form. Prying her fingers from his, she squirmed in his arms. "No one else is dancing this closely."

"That is because the good people of Slumber Land are prudes."

"I thought you liked them?" She asked as he spun her out, only to draw her back in. With a few inches between them and her breasts just barely grazing his chest, she moved as he did. Miming every step he took on careful tip toes, she picked up on the rhyme the human set with ease.

Jefferson smirked as her fingers fiddled with the burgundy dress shirt that peeked out from under his vest. "I do."

"But they're prunes?"

"Prudes." Jefferson nudged her knee with his own and she stepped back. He raised his hand and she slipped her palm against it, her eyes wandering around the room as they walked around one another. "You know, a bit uptight about certain things?"

Arista nodded. She had never heard the word before but she certainly knew plenty of people who fit the description. She let him spin her once more. Her back pressed against his chest, she swayed back and forth a moment. "What kind of things?"

"Fun things," he whispered against the shell of her ear.

The mermaid rolled her eyes at him. Her legs ached, but she didn't want to leave so soon. Letting him brace a bit more of her weight, she plucked another glass of champagne from a waiter. Her eyes roamed over the man as he passed by, but didn't linger on him.

The ballroom was busy with people, none of which seemed the least bit concerned by how close she and her human were dancing. The strangers' dancing was erratic and spastic, so unlike the sultry swaying she was used to. In the ocean, dance was a form of seduction- it was a show and a tease…this was just odd. Jerking limbs and gyrating shoulders. It was awkward and strange, but as Jefferson hummed quietly to the music, his head resting against hers, the mermaid could certainly see the appeal. Enjoying how the Hatter pressed against her, how his hands framed her stomach and how he pressed his lips against her jaw, Arista sighed. After taking a delicate sip of the champagne, she offered it to Jefferson who took a large gulp.

At her giggle, he kissed her cheek. "Let's get you some cake."

"What's cake?"

"Oh…" the portal jumper stepped around her. Leading her by the hand over to a large table filled with desserts, he told her, "You're going to love this."

For a moment, they stood, simply staring at the assortment. Jefferson, who was always impressed with any kind of food at any time, nodded his approval while Arista simply gaped at it. It was all so…colorful. Yellows and pinks and greens and blues- there was no blue food in the ocean. None. Still, her Hatter was scooping some of the blue goo onto a plate, so she supposed it harmless. Tall sculptures of little puff pastries, creamy liquid in skinny glasses, tiny delicate cookies, weird blue jiggly stuff, all so different and all smelt simply divine…although the tree was a surprise.

The blonde tilted her head as a long furry arm reached out from its trunk and grabbed a fistful of carrot cake from the large slab at the far end of the table. Arista gasped. Grabbing Jefferson's shoulder, she began to shake him as she gushed, "Did you see that?"

"See what?" He asked, glancing at her as he continued to pile macaroons on his plate. He assumed they were going to share, so he didn't see the harm in going overboard.

Grabbing his face, she jerked his head to the end of the table. "That tree!"

"Oh," his words were slightly muffled by the fingers pushing in his cheeks. "Don't you recognize them?"

"Them?"

Jefferson's nose twitched as she let him go. "The Boomps. You had drawings of them on your vanity."

The mermaid's eyes widened. With a somewhat maniacal grin, she snatched the plate from his hands and all but raced over to the tree. The portal jumper glared after her. Scowling, he watched her bend in front of the tree. His gaze softened as she began to speak to it. Her voice too quiet to hear, she offered the Boomps one of his profiteroles. With a sigh, he grabbed another plate and joined her.

Arista's eyes grew as a hand, then a head, slid from the tree. It had a long stem and a pink flower type appendage that stuck from the very top of its little furry head. The creature smiled, flashing tiny sharp teeth as it chirped, "Hey, thanks!"

It shoved the pastry in its mouth and disappeared back into the trunk.

"Bangarang," the mermaid breathed with wonder. Beaming, she quickly offered another one. Another hand reached out for it, but Arista carefully pulled it back, drawing a creature from the tree trunk.

It was different than the last, it's coloring not pink but purple. With long flat ears framed by twig like extremities and black eyes, it grinned at her. Its amethyst fur was strange, almost featherlike around its face and chest compared to the brown pelt of its stomach. "Hi!"

"Hi!" Arista replied. She gave it the crème puff. "Are you really a Goblin?"

"A good Goblin!" It corrected before morphing back into the tree.

Jefferson joined her side and offered her another glass of champagne. She took it from him, but couldn't tear her eyes from the spectacle before her. The beige tree warped and stretched, arms and legs and faces sticking out of it until the Goblins separated with a strange bubbling noise. Five of them stood before her, ranging in color and size from barely high enough to reach her knee to large enough to tower over her and Jefferson both.

The mermaid let out a squeak of joy (and admittedly, a bit of fear) and quickly clamped her hand over her mouth. The Hatter gave her shoulder a squeeze. A smirk laced his lips as he nodded to the group.

"Arista, these are the Goblin Boomps."

Stupid with glee, she raised her hand.

The Goblins began to chatter excitedly, just as the Candy Kids had before. It seemed Jefferson was well liked in this realm and the young woman was proud to be on his arm.

Jefferson's hand snuck around her waist. As he pulled her to his side, he nodded to the Goblins. "Fellas. Mind introducing yourselves? She's been rather eager to meet you."

"Really?"

"We'd love to!"

The five of them formed a line. The maiden stared as they began to dance, introducing themselves through song. Their voices were rather grating (something her father never would have stood for), but their expressions were warm and cheerful and none of the surrounding patrons seemed to mind the scene. Some even applauded at the end of the routine.

Arista did not. She just gaped at them as they began to chatter about the wedding and how they knew the Princess and Nemo. Jefferson eased the mermaid over to a table and the Goblins followed. She shot him a smile as he pulled out her chair for her, but said nothing. Too enrapt in the stories, of the strange, happy creatures who went up against the Nightmare King and won, she hardly noticed time passing by.

Jefferson smirked at her, pleased by how attentive she was, by how she offered him the odd bright smile before looking back at them. Her hand on his knee giving him the odd squeeze to remind him that no, she hadn't forgotten about him. He was still on her mind and she wanted him to know that.

They spent the rest of the night off their feet. Too tired and giddy from champagne, neither minded the missed opportunity to dance as they couples whirled around them on the floor. They ate and laughed and occasionally bickered (Arista had decided she had liked the smallest Goblin, Oompi, a bit too much and had decided he was hers now. This had not gone over well with the other Goblin Boomps, although Oompi himself seemed completely content to be cradled to the mermaid's breast and fed pastry after pastry until he could no longer stand on his own). It was only after they had finished their second bottle of champagne that the Hatter decided it was time to go.

The duo said their goodbyes (and Jefferson pried the little Goblin from Arista's arms) and stumbled out of the castle and into the woods.

Jefferson forced a dramatic sigh. His blue eyes rolled down to the lithe blonde draped against his side. She smiled back at him, eyes half lidded and cheeks flushed. Her hand found the back of his neck and she yanked his forehead down to hers.

"You are so drunk."

"Shush," the mermaid ordered. Despite her brown eyes screwed up tight in concentration, she couldn't keep the grin from her lips. "You're ruining it."

He sighed at her. "Arista-"

"Jefferson," She mocked back, voice low and lips pouted. With a giggle, she broke away from him. Her feet numb, Arista stumbled to the forest floor. Braced on her hands and knees, she glared at it a moment. Ignoring his hands on her waist, the young woman accepted his help with only a low whine. "I can walk on my own."

"No you can't."

The maid spun around to face him. Jefferson was shrouded in moonlight. His hat cast a shadow over his face and left only his teeth visible in a Cheshire grin. Fingers cupping his palm, she swayed a moment. "Did you have a good time tonight?"

A more genuine smile spread over his lips. He watched as she began to unwind his scarf from her hair, letting her blonde curls fall over her shoulders, over the black leather of his jacket. He nodded when she gave his fingers a squeeze. "Yes. Very much so."

"Good." Arista nodded and hung the red strip of material over his shoulder. Letting her cheek rest on it, she nuzzled into his neck. "I'm glad. I liked dancing with you."

"Well, who wouldn't?"

Her eyes narrowed at him. When he only continued to smirk, she pursed her lips. Yanking his hat over his eyes, the mermaid ignored his curses. Still, his arm kept her close to his side as she taunted him, "My terrible dancing didn't offend you, did it?"

"It was fun to watch." Jefferson humphed and pushed his brim over his brow. At her more honest frown, he trailed his finger over her jaw. "You looked happy, Ris. No one can say you were a bad dancer if you were enjoying yourself."

Arista's eyes fluttered at the intimate touch. Voice husky, she traced the neckline of his waistcoat. "I'd like to try again sometime. I'd like to get better."

And perhaps she had enjoyed being close to him, had enjoyed being in his arms and seeing him so jovial as he spun her around. She didn't mention that. Jefferson had far too much ego as it was.

His gaze flickered about her features. Exhaustion played on them, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol and eyes droopy, the portal jumper let his fingers continue down her neck. "Let's get some sleep."

"I'd like that."

"Pick a tree."

Arista bit her lip. Clinging to the front of his vest, she looked behind her. The forest was dark, but not pitch black and her stupid human eyes had difficulty seeing. Had she her scales, she would be able to see every tree, bush or rock…but she didn't, so she merely pointed to the one closest to them.

"A very good choice, Madame." He grinned as he spun her around.

She glanced over her shoulder at him, but didn't resist. "Your what?"

Jefferson rolled his eyes. "Don't worry about it."

"It's not an insult, is it?"

"I would never."

"You better not." She pecked his cheek. Breaking away from him, Arista held her arms out to steady herself a moment before she opened the coat she wore. Her fingers fumbled over the buckle of her brown leather corset. After a few Atlantisan obscenities, it finally fell to the ground. The air was warm, but not warm enough to be going about with a bare breast and thin dress. The mermaid kicked it over to her human.

Jefferson had already settled against the thick trunk of the chestnut tree. His boots had been kicked off and his hands were behind his head. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. He watched her strip out of his coat (which had technically been his father's before him) and simply opened his legs. Patting the ground between them, he told her to come lay with him.

The young woman complied. Crawling into his lap, Arista draped the coat over them like a blanket. As she stroked the corduroy, she vaguely noticed the spot where the arrow had pierced it in Neverland had been repaired. With her back against the Hatter's chest, she sighed. "I can see why you're so fond of this…covering. It's very warm. And soft."

The portal jumper's hands slid over her stomach. Idly stroking her scales, he chuckled. "It's called a coat."

"I like it."

He let his head rest against hers. "You can't keep it."

Arista snuggled deeper under the jacket. The lining was made of a smooth suede that looked black in the moonlight. Enjoying the brush of it against her skin, she eased the strap of her dress of her shoulder. As it pooled around her waist, she told him, "Yes I can."

"I suppose we could share." He chuckled. Eyes drifting closed, the Hatter sighed. It felt good to rest. The day had been long and hard; between fighting off Kappas, mulling over Rumplestiltskin's threats and her horrifying transformation...it was nice to just sit and play with his little mermaid. Even if she was a little tipsy.

"No…." Arista's whine broke into a giggle as he gave her sides a squeeze.

His fingers stiffened at the sensation of her bare skin, but he didn't stop her from rolling onto her stomach (and inadvertently on to his). Jefferson licked his lips as she smiled up at him. Her nakedness was hidden from view. Palled in darkness and his heavy coat, only the slightest hint of her tan shoulders could be seen. He watched her nose wrinkle, watched with baited breath as she sat up. The portal jumper swallowed. A bit stricken by the sight of her breasts and skin and the indent of her waist, he barely felt her fingers as they made quick work of the buttons of his waistcoat.

Slowly, the Hatter's touch trailed up her arms. Over her shoulders to linger on her collarbone.

It didn't feel like an invitation, her nakedness. Not exactly. She was hardly paying herself any mind; completely apathetic to how her breasts swayed with her movements, at the sliver of her mound that could be seen as she sat up on her knees to unbutton the burgundy shirt he wore. The few strands of gold that was woven into its seams caught the moonlight.

He let his hands fall back to her elbows as she settled against him, chest to chest, with a content sigh. His head fell back against the trunk of the tree.

Arista didn't notice his distress. Relishing in the press of his warm skin against her own, the mermaid puzzled over the slight brush of whiskers against her cheek. Her fingers found his chest hair and toyed curiously with it, but she was too tired to pay anything other than how utterly wonderful her human felt underneath her. It was nice, being natural with him. She hated having to wear the strange second skin humans called clothing all the time. It was constraining and uncomfortable.

Jefferson's teased his digits over her spine. A smirk drifted over his lips as she looked up at him with a dopey, sleepy eyed smile. Her skin was noticeably cooler than his. Arching a curious brow, he teased, "Comfortable?"

The mermaid nodded. She had never had a male touch her so intimately before. Neither Atlantisan nor human. The young man's hand was firm on her back whilst the other caressed her bicep. Delicate and light and completely welcome. He thumbed her skin in a soothing, hypnotic manner.

Skin itself was still a rather new concept to her. It was so vulnerable and responsive compared to her scales. Arista traced her hand from his chest along his ribs. Nuzzling deeper into his flesh, the maiden let out a quiet sigh before she let herself fall asleep.

The young man blinked at her. Not totally pleased the fun was over, he let out a quiet grumble and pushed his hat down over his brow before he joined her in sleep.

The day broke early and along with it came the birds. Arista's eyes peeked open to find a small canary pecking curiously at one of the buttons of Jefferson's coat. A smile broke out over her lips. She had never seen a bird up close before- other than seagulls of course. But this one was small and cute and it sang instead of squawked. Very slowly, she reached out to touch it. The bird cocked its head at her, but didn't resist the finger that stroked its tiny yellow head. In fact, it preened at the attention. With a giggle, the mermaid shifted a bit closer to the animal.

Her movements woke her bed partner…or more accurately her bed.

With a groan, Jefferson moved to roll over, only to find it impossible. He didn't bother to open his eyes, just ran his hands over his mermaid's naked back and ass a moment before he cradled the latter. Smirking, he gave her buttocks a playful squeeze. "Good morning."

Arista huffed as her little friend fluttered off. "You scared it away."

"I'm sorry," the Hatter drawled, absolutely unapologetic. Not bothering to push his hat back, he pulled her forward. Her tits slid against the length of his chest, her nipples tight and firm against his skin.

She let him bear her weight, let him adjust her hips and bury his face in her neck. His stubble felt familiar and safe and the mermaid turned her gaze to his body. The skin of his chest was a few shades lighter than that of his face and hands. As she had suspected, just under his collar bones were lined with a thin spread of dark hair. Under that he had peaks similar to the ones on her own chest and under that a hole just like she had. Below the strange divot, another trail of hair formed.

Head cocked, she gave the hole a curious jab with her index finger. "What are these?"

Jefferson flinched and snatched her hand away. Hat tilted high on his brow, he glared at her. It was too early for her aggression. "Uh, belly buttons?"

"What do they do?" She tilted her head. Lacing her fingers between his, she gave the back of his hand an apologetic kiss. His grip softened as his expression did and the maiden took her hand back. Smiling at him, Arista began to weave her fingers gently through the line of hair that spread to the edge of his leather trousers.

He licked his lips. Her nails skimmed his skin in a sensual, provocative manner and the young man had to resist a shudder. "It's just a mammal thing."

The maiden hummed. Thumbing the little indent on his stomach, she ignored his breathlessness and how he subtly pressed his groin against her hip. Fingers a bit firmer, she worked through the path of wiry hair. It was a curiosity to her; female humans had fur between their legs, but she didn't know males shared the trait. Arista had more or less assumed the pubic hair was just what she couldn't grow on her face- rearranged in another place. She circled his belly button with her index finger. "They're cute, if not a little queer."

"Thanks." Jefferson swallowed. Pupils blown with lust, he wrapped an arm around her waist and rocked his hips up to grind against the firm strip of her thigh.

"And what are these?" Arista slid her hand up his stomach, over his abdominal muscles to tug at one of the peaks on his chest. They were a different color than her own, more of a rosy brown than a pale pink. She chanced a glance at his face and was a bit struck by the flush that lined his cheeks. "I'm not hurting you, am I?"

The young man shook his head. "No."

The blonde eyed him skeptically, but merely continued to pluck at the tight nub. When he didn't answer her, she gave it a twist. At his yelp, Arista arched a brow. As he began to shuffle underneath her, the mermaid stood. Sliding the strap of her dress back of her shoulder (from where it had pooled around her thighs), the young woman gave his toes a light touch with her own. "Come on, then, Hatter. Up you go."

"Go where?"

A smile lit up her tan features. Grabbing her corset off the ground, the maiden slipped the leather around her waist. "You promised to take me swimming today...or have you forgotten?"

"I didn't forget."

"Than why are you still on the ground?" She shot back at him, voice teasing and features bright as she offer her hand.

Instead of taking it, Jefferson wrapped his coat over his arm to hide his crotch from view. His hat askew, he asked her what exactly she needed to swim.

"Water, obviously. Preferably salted." The mermaid beamed at him, rocking on her toes. As she spoke, she did up the metal clasps of her corset, "It'd be nice if it had some depth to it. No undertows or Wild Ones, if possible."

Her human nodded and stood. "I know just the place. It's just west of the Enchanted Forest. It's seas are home to some of the fiercest pirates in the land, but…" The portal jumper paused for dramatic effect and held up a finger. When she rolled her eyes at him, he curled it around her chin. Tilting it up, he forced her to meet his gaze. "There are plenty of private, backwood streams. Deep ones, too."

A stubborn smirk pulled at her mouth. Brown eyes sparkling, she admitted, "Sounds perfect."

Jefferson leaned down and pressed his brow to hers. The young man's heart fluttered as she blushed, ducking her head and giggling at the intimate touch. Beaming, he kissed her cheek before he broke away from her. With a flick of his wrist, his hat went soaring from his head. The wind picked up and a purple haze fumed from it.

Arista shook her head and grabbed her boots, then took his hand. Voice raised to be heard over the fuss, she asked, "Shall we?"

The boy nodded and the two of the leapt into the portal. He had barely made it through when the blonde began to drag him over to the door that led to the Enchanted Forest. Shaking his head, he stumbled after her. "The water isn't going to up and leave, Ris!"

"Just hurry up!" Arista all but pushed him up to the portal. She frowned at it, unsure how to continue. "Won't this lead us back to Mr. Rumplestiltskin's castle?"

"Only if that's where we're thinking about when we pass through." Jefferson broke his hand away from hers to slip his jacket on. As he fixed the collar, he told her to let him go first. With a wink, he finished, "Just leave the thinking up to me."

The woman seemed unimpressed, but didn't press him. Instead, she just stuck her foot out and tripped him through the portal when he tried to strut into it. She stepped in behind him and grinned at his scowl.

Jefferson didn't bother to get off the ground. Just glared at her. His legs spread while laying on his back, the young man accused, "You did that on purpose."

"Did I?" She glanced down to where his shirt was still open under his jacket. His stomach was toned, but his ribs were visible and the sight disturbed her somewhat.

"So you admit it. You attacked me. Viciously. When I had been so kind as to escort you to a foreign land." He pouted at her. "I thought we had something special."

"Will you quit your guppying so we can go? Please?" The blonde bent down and picked up his hat. Gently brushing some dirt off it, she offered it to him. Her features a bit pleading, she bit her lip and tried her best to put her most helpless, feminine face on. "I don't know the way."

Jefferson sighed, but took his hat. With it safely on his head, the Hatter stood. Blue eyes squinted down at her. Hands on his lapels, he arched a brow at her. "Don't think that's going to work on me every time."

Arista shrugged. "Yes it will."

"No it won't. Don't think that I'm going to let you play me just because you bat those pretty brown eyes at me, Ris."

"Mhm." The mermaid reached up and pulled his hat down. Ignoring his irritated grumbling, she stepped around him.

The forest was lush and green. She could hear birds, which was always nice, and small animals skittering through the brush. With a hum, the maiden pulled on her boots as Jefferson began to speak.

"You're more trouble than you're worth, you know."

"I'm worth plenty of trouble." An impish grin crossed her lips. Her fingers skimmed the leather of his jacket. They slid over his naked stomach, under his shirt to brace the dimples of his lower back. With a hum, Arista jutted her lips out in a mockery of his usual bored face. "Can we go now? I'm losing my luster waiting for you to lead the way, my lovely one."

The Hatter's cheeks went hot. "Don't call me that."

"Very well, dearie."

Jefferson mimed a shudder and a cringe. "Or that."

"Darling boy?" she teased in a stage whisper.

His eyes narrowed on her dancing ones. "I see what you're doing. You can stop now."

"Don't you like my flirtation?" Arista kissed his cheek, her nose brushing along his temple. Ignoring how his hands once again found her backside, she smirked. "I think I'm getting better at it."

"It's no fun anymore."

Her fingers trailed up to his shoulder blade. Thumbing it, the blonde shrugged. "I'm having fun."

"I know you are." Jefferson pulled back to frown at her. "Stop it."

She giggled as he gave her ass a squeeze for emphasis. Twisting around, Arista took him by the arm and began to walk deeper into the woods. "Come on, we haven't much light."

"We have all day."

Arching a brow, she tossed him a look over her shoulder. "So?"

With a scoff, he stepped up to her side. "So you should let me lead."

And she did.

It didn't take long for the couple to come across a stream. It was thick and visibly deep, with a simple wooden beam bridge leading across it. The young man cast a quick glance down at the girl. He had been hoping for approval and found absolute glee dancing on her features. He tried to play aloof, unaware of how he puffed his chest out and his spine straightened with pride. "I take it this will be suitable?"

"It's beautiful," the mermaid gushed, her hand patting his chest. Gaze never leaving the stream, she went around him.

Stripping out of her corset, Arista let it fall behind her. It fell limply to the forest floor. Her boots quickly followed, being kicked off her feet before she slipped them into the water. The young woman sighed. Her grin softened. Her shoulders slumped and she simply took in the sensation of home a moment. But only a moment. Forcing back the guilt of leaving her sisters, of the horrible want she had for her family and her homeland, Arista walked deeper into the stream.

Jefferson swallowed. Unease settled in his stomach, but he didn't turn away. He couldn't. There was something incredibly somber and disquieting about watching the young woman wade into the water. He knew it couldn't hurt her, that she was born from it and adored it, but...the memory of her transformation was still fresh in his mind. It lingered, along with the audible snapping of her bones and the dazed, empty expression that hung in her eyes.

The splash startled him from his thoughts. The Hatter just barely caught sight of a fin before it disappeared under the surface. Absent fingers began to do up his shirt as he made his way over to the bridge.

The young portal hopper eyed the waters. Arista was nowhere in sight and he bit his tongue to keep from calling her name. She probably wouldn't have paid him any mind anyway, he reasoned, stripping off his jacket as he moved to the center of the overpass. He dropped down on to it to tug off his boots. His socks followed, then his vest and the young man sighed as he stared into the cloudy green water.

A glimmer caught his attention, a vague wisp of azure blue that disappeared before he could recognize it. Another splash came from a few yards away and the Hatter smirked to himself as his mermaid's fin came into view. He let his toes dip into the water.

It was chill compared to the warmth of the sun. The forest was brightly lit and beautiful, which was unsurprising. Florin was known for its beauty. For its tranquil hills and winding roads...and Rodents of Unusual Size, but they, like the pirates, were far off. Too far off to worry about. Plus, the Shrieking Eels were far too large to dwell in any of the back woods streams, so that was one less thing to worry about.

What he should have been worrying about, was the mermaid who was glaring at him from behind. Arista rested her cheek on her fist, her tail swishing below the beam bridge with a hint of irritation. She listened to him sigh and absently tapped her black claws on the wood. It was then she noticed their color. With a hum, she ducked back under the water.

Jefferson glanced behind him at the sound, but found nothing but a wet spot in her wake.

Arista frowned at the sight of her hands. Her claws had gone from the natural pearlescent hue to a jet black. Curious, she gave one of them a light pull. Her nail held strong, just as it always had and it was then she noticed the twinge of grey along a few of the scales of her arm. They weren't completely covered over, just the edge around the scales which looked like polished belemnite, but it was disconcerting. Since they weren't painful, she pushed the hint of anxiety away. She could always ask Rumplestiltskin when she returned to the castle. Until then, Arista decided to enjoy herself. A wicked grin crossed her lips and she inhaled before she returned to the surface.

A spritz of water caught Jefferson in the back of the neck. The Hatter let out an indignant squawk and whirled around at the melody of laughter. Glaring at the empty space, he called, "That's not funny! I don't know what you just did, but I know it's not funny!"

"Yes, it is," a voice teased from below him and his gaze snapped down to hers.

The young man gaped at the sight of her. Arista looked...nothing like she had on the forest floor. There was no pain in her features, only mirth. Her skin shone like mother of pearl, gleaming and shimmering opalescent in the sunlight. Jefferson swallowed unable to look away from her. From the blue scales that touched her temples and the crest of her sharp cheekbones, making her brown eyes all the darker with their lucent cerulean color.

Unable to breath, Jefferson could only watch as Arista planted a hand on either side of his thighs. His eyes stayed locked on hers as she leaned up, very slowly and very cautiously to catch him by the lips.

Her skin was cool, but her mouth just as he imagined it would be. Like velvet and her lips twisted into a smile so sweet he could actually taste it. Taste her joy and her eagerness and he wanted more. He wanted to make her happy, wanted to keep her happy and in his arms but didn't dare touch her. His eyes fluttered shut.

If Jefferson tried to touch her, he just knew she would swim off. Arista would make a joke of the affections she didn't understand and he didn't want that. He wanted her to love him. If she was human, everything would be so simple, but she wasn't. She didn't know what a kiss could mean. Didn't know the power it could hold or the magic behind it. The delicate press of her mouth against his, of her forearms bracing his thighs and the damp chest that touched his own, all of them made him want. A want for her and for what they could have together, a life and stability and love. He wanted her so bad it made his heart ache to know she didn't feel the same.

Still, the Hatter couldn't help himself. The temptation was too great and the young man pressed forward only to have the mermaid pull back. Jefferson followed, unwilling to give up the touch he had waited for so long for so soon, but she was gone.

A/n: Shout out to my lovely beta gnarly! Sorry for the long wait! Chapter 20! I'd love to get up to 100 reviews for my 20th chapter…