royalpassport | IC: CONTACT (EUDIO)

It's never anyone's intention. [ Jefferson lets out a short sigh, regretting spitting the words out just as soon as he says them. ]

It's... fine. I know you didn't mean anything by it. [ There, that's a little better. ] Our conversation was simply the last straw, not the first.

But it leaves no question as to why you're here -- which is admirable. [ And knowing spared him at least part of the shock in all of Hook's blathering. He winces a little. ] ...And you're going to have to let me know when I'm out of line; I'm so very out of practice when it comes to socializing without a clear agenda.

I don't think anything I do is admirable. [ His voice is soft, almost as if he's a child admitting to doing some wrong, like he thinks Gold is about to chide him for the admission.

And then he stirs his tea, if only to have something to do, and clears his throat awkwardly. ]

I can imagine. Even the Mr. Gold of Storybrooke always seemed to have one.

You came here with the right intentions. It's a start.

[ He bit his lip at the remark -- well, when you're everyone's landlord it's no surprise when the first thing out of their mouths is usually "But I already paid rent" or "it's not due until next week is it?" ]

Is it any wonder he tried internet dating, bearing that in mind?

[ Oh, there we go. A subject he can quickly latch onto. Jefferson's expression seems to brighten. ]

And how did that endeavor go?

About as well as it could with a curse in place meant to keep us in one place.

[ Which he realizes is being very vague. ]

Not that there were no outside influences in his decision to stop.

Of course. But I have to admit, I'm curious about the types of people your counterpart attracted.

Exactly the sort of people you'd expect when you mention you're a business owner and landlord.

I'm afraid I don't really know. [ Seeing as he lived as a shut-in for decades. ] Opportunists?

That's a kind word to use. Thankfully, bad a dresser as he was he had taste enough to sever contact with the ones that threw around phrases like "sugar daddy."

Ah. [ Jefferson wrinkles his nose in distaste and picks up his tea. ] Glad I never tried it, then.

[ As if there were any circumstances, back in Storybrooke, that would have led him to give online dating a try. ]

And then of course there's this place.

[ He has never been the best equipped to just...put himself out there. Not for things like this. Lacey had been a literal trial by fire. ]

You've fared well?

[ He takes a sip of his, thinking on how he wants to answer that question. ]

Well enough. [ Which makes sense. For all his personality flaws, he's young, handsome, and well-dressed. Catching others' attention has always come easily to him-- at least before the curse.

The problem, however, is that he tends to draw in people looking for a pretty face and a fuck. Not always, of course. He's had some friendly conversations with no sexual motives, but they didn't blossom into much else. Though in Curtis, at least, he's found a friend that he holds dear to his heart (and who he happens to find incredibly attractive).

He actually finds himself smiling a little at the thought. ]

[ Yes, he's sure it's come easily for Jefferson. In his old line of work, being charming could do half a job for him if he played his cards right.

But rather than volunteer that he's been having a hard go of it and would like some advice, he shifts a little to keep the subject on Jefferson. ]

How long have you been here?

[ He hums in thought. ] Only two and a half months.

[ Funny, sometimes it feels longer. But perhaps that's because he has a tendency to lock himself in his apartment and wallow for days on end, the monotony making time feel as if it stretches out endlessly. ]

I don't know how long I'll be here

That was the only thing that felt vague about making a contract with these people. It's uncertain how long it really takes.

[ Jefferson eyes Gold with interest, wondering what it could be that would have the man agreeing to terms that carried even a whiff of vagueness. ]

Mm. I suppose it depends on how much you give in return. And how quickly.

And there's the rub, I suppose.

[ Another sip of his tea. ]

Of all the deals you've made... I have to say, this one surprises me.

[ Since the Dark One never seemed particularly, you know. Cuddly. And neither did the curmudgeonly Mr. Gold. Then again, things in Storybrooke have changed-- as people are so fond of reminding him-- so who knows. And besides, he knew there was one who held Rumpelstiltskin's heart, though Jefferson was out of the game before they ever came into each other's lives. Doesn't mean he stayed entirely out of the loop, even in the Enchanted Forest. ]

I would have thought Belle was the only--

[ Ah. Wait. She's from an even earlier point in time than Jefferson is. As in before whatever happened to make Regina see the girl as some leverage to hide away in her perfect little cursed world. Jefferson clears his throat awkwardly and leaves it at that. ]

[ He winces. She is, but also not -- that's at least partly his fault. He did choose to come here rather than run home to her. On one hand, he needs something in front of him. Something to hope for, even if this deal fails. On the other -- how can he hate himself for being here and doing this when the last woman he kissed wasn't even her? He's already failed. The least he can do is use it to do something right for once.

the one who is here, he cannot risk approaching. Especially if she won't know him. As much as he felt so much would be better if he could talk to her right now -- but the one that knows him. The one that understands. I'm sorry I woke you up to die, but I needed you. ]

I have to try.

[ Well, the wince doesn't go unnoticed. Best not to dwell on that point. So Jefferson just nods. ]

Of course.

I'm sure there's the odd person who comes here because they enjoy the atmosphere, but I know I'm not the only one who really needed something, the awkwardness be damned.

No, of course you're not. And I suppose it gets easier, the more you do it, anyway.

[ Mumbled low, before he gulps down more of his drink, now cool enough for him to do more than largely fidget with. ] I certainly hope so.

IC: CONTACT (EUDIO)

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