Disclaimer: Once Upon a Time does not belong to me! All characters and references to the show belong to ABC and Channel 5
Hey, fellow Oncers! Did anyone else see the 8 minuet promo for ep 2x21? I honestly think Bae is Peter Pan now! (but not in my fic! You'll see what I mean)
Once Upon a Time: School's Out! The Third One-Chapter 3
"Was it really that bad?" asked Ruby, she'd been out clothes shopping at the Mall-alone, because Belle had a column to write and Ella was still refusing to let Ruby anywhere near her- when her phone started ringing, and now she had Snow White's voice buzzing in her ear as she checked out a 'Team Jacob' t-shirt.
"Worse" was Snow White's weary reply. From the jerkiness of her voice, it sounded as though she was still in James' car "The mentor is insane! It's like she's from some alternate universe where everything's decorated in flowers and woodland creatures start singing every five seconds!"
"Oh God, can you imagine?"
"Can you focus?!"
"Right. Sorry" Ruby apologised, putting the shirt back and walking down the rails "So, a crazy birth control mentor? That's all?"
Snow White snorted "I wish! The class was full of adults, and you wouldn't believe how judgemental they were"
"What do you mean?"
Snow White sighed "It was like they were...looking down their noses at us. They didn't talk to us unless they had to and when they did, it was like we were five years old"
"You would've thought it was obvious that we weren't, being in a pregnancy class and all" Ruby smiled when James' voice came through the phone.
"James, do you mind?" Snow White said irritatedly "God...I'm not looking forward to next week, Rubes"
"Then don't go" she said, admiring a pair of artfully ripped black jeans. She heard Snow White suck in her breath.
"We have to! This is the only class that's not a thousand miles away from the school. Plus, apart from the crazy lady and...them, it's actually a good class"
Ruby paused "Seriously?"
"Yeah. Did you know that right now my baby's the size of a cantaloupe?"
"A what?" Ruby frowned, taking down a hanger holding a pair of to-die-for red shorts while James' voice filtered through the phone again:
"I think it's a type of melon"
"JAMES! Will you STOP contributing to the conversation?!" Snow White snapped. Uh oh, Ruby smirked. She hoped James was close to the College by now, because it sounded like being heavily pregnant was taking it's toll yet again.
Trying not to laugh, she added the shorts to her already full basket of clothes and turned towards the cashiers"Look, I'll talk to you when I get back O.k? I've gotta go pay now"
"Oh" Snow White sounded put out, and Ruby braced herself "I'm sorry, is my hellish day getting in the way of your shopping?"
"No, Snow" she answered, making her voice as soothing as possible "It's just that the store clerks don't like it when you're on the phone when-"
"Don't talk down to me, Ruby Lucas!" Snow White all but screeched at her, wincing, she held the phone away from her ear.
"Yeah, O.k, goodbye Snow!" she said quickly, and hung up the phone before Snow White could yell at her again. She then paid for her clothes, and headed over to the food court to grab something to eat, and it was while she was eating her French Fries that, somewhere behind her, she heard a strange, high laugh.
She frowned. She knew that laugh.
Turning around in her seat, she saw the blonde head of who she assumed was Victor Whale sitting behind her, his head pressed into his arms on the table as his body shook with silent laughter, and sitting next to him, dressed in his usual dark trench coat with his trademark top hat resting beside him on the table, was Jefferson Hatter, leaning back in his chair and clapping his hands as he roared with crazy laughter
Ruby, watched him, remembering the obvious movehe had made on Belle-when he knew how utterly in love she'd been with Rumplestiltskin. God, sometimes she wondered if this guy even had morals!-and without even thinking about it she rose up out of her seat and marched over to the boys table, filled with determination.
"Jefferson" she stated, and she had to wait for his insane laughter to drain away before he would even look at her, and then his eyes widened in surprise.
"Ruby! Wow, it's been a while" he said, a smile appearing on his lips. Ruby's lips pressed together.
"Yeah, I guess. Listen, I need to talk to you about Belle" she said, and when he looked confused she sighed "About you giving her your number? Remember?"
"Dude, you gave Rumplestiltskin's ex-girlfriend your number?!" Victor sounded awed "Ballsy!"
Jefferson ignored him, keeping his eyes on his own ex "So what if I did?"
"Oh, nothing. I just think it would be better or everyone if you left her alone" said the brunette, keeping her eyes locked with his "She's been through a lot. She doesn't need some asshole screwing her over for kicks"
At the snippy words, the look of confusion faded from Jeffersons features, and he nodded as though in understanding "Oooh" when he focused on her properly, he looked confusingly sympathetic "I understand now" he reached for Ruby's hand, cradling it in his own. She tried not to shiver in revulsion.
"Ruby, listen, I know you thought we had something special, but, you just have to accept that...back when we were dating, I just didn't feel as strongly as you!"
"I'm sorry, what?" Ruby stared at him, wondering if he was honestly suggesting what she thought he was suggesting:
"Now we had a great run. But...I think it's time we let each other move on" he smiled empathetically while he gently patted her hand.
Ruby snatched it away, her face a picture of disgust "Oh my God! That's what you think this is?! That's not what this is about, you asshat!"
"Oh?"
"No! This is about Belle! And you leaving her the hell alone!" Ruby almost shouted, starting to get seriously pissed off.
"O.k, since when did you become Belle's mother?" Jefferson retorted "And what makes you think I'm going to, as you so charmingly put it, screw her over?" he sneered the words, and then shrugged "Maybe I've changed, for all you know"
Ruby glared down at him. It was almost convincing the way he said it. But she had dated this asshole for four months. She knew how he worked.
Placing her hands on the table, she slid across the surface until her face was so close to Jefferson's that she could almost feel his breath on her cheek, she stared directly into his eyes. He looked right back at her, not even blinking.
"Leopards don't change their spots, Hatter" she growled, longing to slap that cocky little smirk right off his face.
But instead, she had a better idea, and displayed a smile of her own. "Besides, Belle's not an idiot, so it's not like you'd have a chance in hell anyway" and before he could respond she waltzed back to her table, picked up her bags and fries, and left the food court.
Back at his table, Jefferson's blood was boiling. No chance in hell?! Who the hell did she think she was?! He glared after Ruby as the uptight little tramp sashayed out of the mall and almost didn't hear Victor when he spoke:
"Hey, Jeff? Are you seriously thinking about going after the French girl?"
Jefferson looked at him, hearing the caution in his voice "Maybe, why?"
Leaning back in his chair, Victor pursed his lips and blew air up into his face "Well...isn't that risky? I mean God knows what Gold would do to you if he knew!"
"Oh please. I think I can handle an imp" Jefferson took a long drink of his soda, acting like he was listening to Victor but truthfully, it didn't matter what the science geek said. Jefferson had always liked the look of Belle French, with her chocolate brown curls and smooth, soft looking skin (not to mention that she had a figure that could drive a man insane!) but when he had taken a chance and put the moves on her, he'd almost had his arm ripped off by Gold. Ever since then, like every other guy who'd looked at Belle twice, he'd kept his distance.
But now, she was finally a free agent. Now, he could do as he pleased. Now, he could find out for himself whether or not Belle French's skin was really as soft as it looked.
And no amount of scarlet ex-girlfriends was going to stop him!
OUAT
"Hey, Belle?"
"Hm?"
"Have you ever considered becoming a cheerleader?"
"What?" Belle turned away from the column on her lap-top, convinced she must have been too focused on writing her article for the Mirror to hear her right.
Ella sat forward on Belle's bed, her hands carefully folded into her lap "I said, have you ever considered becoming a cheerleader?"
Belle stared at her "Um...no. Why?"
"Well, you know how Rapunzel's broken her leg?" Belle nodded. While on Spring Break with her adoptive mother the eighteen year old blonde with famously long hair had gone to England to visit the castles, but while exploring one of the towers she had somehow taken a tumble out of a gap in the ancient brick work. Fortunately the tower hadn't been very tall-six feet off the ground at most-but it had been enough to break Rapunzels leg in two places.
Ella continued talking "Well...obviously she's not gonna be able to cheer for a while, and what with Snow being pregnant we're two cheerleaders short, so I was thinking that maybe-"
"Oh God, Ella!" Belle gasped, staring at her in horror from her desk chair "Please tell me you're not thinking what I think you're thinking!"
"It would just be for this semester-"
"Oh my God, you are!"
"Please Belle!" Ella begged "It would be for just this one time! And after Rapunzels leg heals you'd never have to do it again!"
"Ella! I'm not a cheerleader!" Belle insisted "I'm a writer! Besides, I wouldn't even know how to do all of those...things!" she gestured wildly with her hands as an example of the basic gymnastic's the cheerleaders used in their performances. Ella couldn't help feeling a little insulted.
"You wouldn't have to! You'd just have to do a few routines, shake a few pom-poms, and..." the burned teenager faltered, clenching her fingers nervously "Get...tossed in the air a couple if times" she finished rapidly in a meek little voice.
Belle threw her hands in the air, shaking her head from side to side and walking in front of her desk "No! Hell no!"
"Oh please, Belle, please please please!" Ella refused to stop begging. She might seem like a quiet, timid girl but everyone knew that she could be extremely stubborn when she wanted to be "We need you!"
Looking at her questioningly, Belle stopped pacing and put her hand on her hip "Why do you need me? What could I possibly bring to your squad?"
Ella bit her lip as though she was looking for the right words. Then, hesitantly she said: "We need someone small"
"...seriously?" Belle said, and when Ella nodded she sighed heavily, then looked down at the ground, then pinched the bridge of her nose "I...I'll think about it"
Ella nodded "O.k. You've got a week"
"Ella!"
"That's the most I can give you!" she protested. Belle looked as pleading as she could but it was clear the cheerleading co-captain (along with Ruby, both of whom had been appointed when Snow White-the former captain-became too pregnant to cheer) wasn't going to budge.
Sighing heavily, she nodded "Alright. A week, then I'll give you my answer!"
OUAT
After that Ella left to let Belle finish her article, and a little while later she went to Gene Glass' office and posted it off to go into the next issue of The Mirror.
And who should she run into when walking out?
"Jefferson!" Belle jumped, startled. Jefferson himself looked just as surprised as her, laughing self-consciously.
"Oh, Belle, hi!" he greeted her, smiling awkwardly. A strained silence hung between them until Jefferson's expression shifted and he pointed a finger at Belle "You never called me"
Belle feigned ignorance "What d'you mean?"
Jefferson frowned "Ella. She...did give you my number right?" he asked and Belle gasped as though suddenly remembering:
"Oh yeah. That. I-I must've lost it" she giggled "Sorry, I'm such a scatterbrain!"
Jefferson, the smile still on his face, shook away her apology "No, that's alright. But a little disappointing because, well" he scratched the back of his head as though nervous, and Belle had a terrible premonition of what he was about to say:
"I was kind of hoping to ask you-"
Yep, bang on the money.
"Jefferson, wait" Belle stopped him. He was immediately silent, a look of worry in his eyes and Belle let out a small sigh "Listen, I don't think...us, would be a good idea"
Jefferson frowned "Why not?"
A small, disbelieving laugh escaped Belle's red lips "Well, for one thing you went out with one of my best friends-and cheated on her, I might add!"
"I know" Jefferson cringed, like he was disgusted with himself "I did a terrible thing and I'm sorry for that-"
"That's not the only reason, Hatter" the young girl interrupted him "You...you know I just got out of a serious relationship" she said, trying not to visibly wince as Rumplestiltskin's face flashed into her mind "I...I don't think I'll be ready to date anyone for a while"
"Ah" Jefferson nodded in understanding "Well then, I bid you good day." he started to turn away from her, lifting a hand and touching the rim of his hat before he walked away.
Once he was gone, Belle allowed herself to breathe out in relief. Thank God! She thought. The logical part of her mind refused to believe that he'd been there by coincidence. Had he followed her? Followed her and then asked her on a date?! The whole experience of it had left Belle a little creeped out.
Except for the departure. She had been surprised at his easy acceptance of her rejection, he hadn't pressed her on it at all, he'd just admitted defeat. Graciously.
Hm.
"Making new friends, dearie?"
Belle almost jumped out of her skin when Rumplestiltskin walked out of the shadows, hands in his pockets and a smug smile on his thin lips. She quickly composed herself and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Blowing him off, actually" she told him "He...asked me out" was that a flash of anger she saw go through his eyes? It was only there for a moment but she couldn't be sure...
"Asked you out?" Rumplestiltskin repeated stiffly "Like...on a date?"
"Yes. But like I said, I told him no" her expression changed, shifting so that her eyes were now narrowed "But you already know that, don't you Rumple? How long have you been watching?"
"Not long" he answered, suddenly defensive.
"Then what were you doing here? Spying on me?"
"No, I was not!" Rumplestilskin barked, the anger in his eyes no longer a flash, and Belle could see the internal struggle he went through before he was calm enough to speak again "For your information, dearie, I had an appointment with Mr Boss"
"The Dean?" Belle questioned, unable to suppress her concern. Jesus, what's he done now?
The corners of Rumplestiltskin's lips quirked, almost as if he could read her mind. His anger appearing to have dissipated as he answered her:
"Apparently, there have been some complaints lodged against me" he told her, and Belle wasn't surprised to see his mouth turn up in an amused smile "Some measures I've taken against...payment dodgers...have apparently been causing distress" he shrugged innocently. Belle fixed her gaze upon him, putting a hand on her hip.
"What did you do?" she asked, and he shrugged innocently.
"Me? I did nothing. Well" he scrunched his nose and quickly dipped his head to the side in an admitting way "Not nothing. I simply called in a payment from Peter Pan and, in a purely coincidental turn of events, the boy ended up bursting into tears"
Belle couldn't stop the small smile that came to her lips at that, she knew it was bad to laugh but she couldn't help it. Looking towards him, she saw his own smile had gotten softer, sweeter, happier. He took a step towards her.
"You know, I was actually headed back towards the dorms" he said, and immediately Belle tensed "Would it be too much to ask for you to...walk back with me?"
The young woman sighed. She knew what he was asking, and she wasn't ready for that "Rumple..."
"It's just a walk Belle" he told her firmly, holding his hands up, palms out "I promise, I won't grope you!" he joked, but while the corners of Belle's lips lifted, she didn't smile.
"Thank-you, but...I think I can walk back by myself" she said softly, and didn't look back as, with sad eyes, Rumplestiltskin watched her walk away.
OUAT
Back in the Darq house, two boys were sat in the plush lounge of the dorm, sitting in luxurious armchairs and watching the Mad Hatter. He was sat on the blood-red couch and bent at the waist, his head gripped between his long fingers while his hat rested on the coffee table in front of him.
"What do you think's wrong with him?" George Spencer whispered to the blonde, hook-nosed boy next to him. Rothbart Blackwing shrugged.
"I don't know, he keeps muttering something about 'Damn' though" he sais.
"...damn girl..." Jefferson muttered on cue, and the boys continued to watch curiously as he gripped his head harder, a groan eliciting itself from his throat "...you goddamn idiot!..."
"Hey, Roth" George eagerly nudged his friend, a mean smirk coming to his face "Go get Regina and Odile, I think he's gonna explode!"
Rothbart sniggered and quickly dashed off, smirking at the Mad Hatter-who was truly living up to his name-as he went.
Jefferson knew that people were staring at him. He knew, and he didn't care. He had come here to seethe, and so seethe he did.
He couldn't believe he'd been so dumb! Going after French? Asking her out? Today?! Fool, you fool! It was far too early in the game for that! God, if only that damn bitter-ass Ruby hadn't riled him up so much!
And to make matters worse, Gold had been there! True, Jefferson hadn't seen him until he'd been walking away, but he'd seen the glint from the hallway lights in the boys eyes as he walked passed.
He'd probably be coming for his blood soon, or at the very least, convince Belle to stay away from him like her goddamn friends!
And, who knew? Maybe he was still with Belle now. It was no secret that Rumplestiltskin Gold had one of the most talented tongues in the known area, he was probably convincing Belle to take him back right now.
Jefferson lifted his head, rolling his eyes at George's look of disappointment (probably waiting for my head to explode. Idiot) and reaching over to the marble table where he picked up his hat, and it was as he placed it back over his dark hair that he formed his plan.
If Rumplestiltskin thought there was any hope of him and Belle getting back together, then he was just going to have to do everything in his power to squash it!
Can I just say, for the record, I personally have nothing against Jefferson, I think he's a really awesome OUAT character. However, it is a fact that he was kind of a dick before he had Grace (hello! He helped fake a resurrection!) and I'm just kind of exaggerating that a bit.
So, what do we think? Is it too fast paced? Let me know so I can make improvements! Also, I know there was a lack of Regina in this chapter but she will be popping up in the next one, rest assured.
Until then, my loves, review away!