(Wolf-verse AU, but NO A/B/O dynamics as I don't write that. Slight angst, some fluff, lots of flashbacks)

Jefferson had been alone for a long time. Far too long. While others where finding their mates, whether romantic or platonic, Jefferson was a lone wolf. It didn't really bother him much. He liked being alone sometimes. When he was alone, no one could call him "mad". Did he miss real interaction? Of course, but he wasn't going to let it get to him. No matter how many of the other Storybrooke residents were finding their mates, Jefferson was going to be okay. Then, he met you.

Like Jefferson, you had been a lone wolf for a very long time and you liked it that way. But when you met Jefferson, that changed. There was something about him that drew you in, something you felt the need to protect. A lot of people would say that he was your mate, and maybe he was, but not in the way they were thinking. Whatever you felt for Jefferson wasn't at all romantic.

It was the same for him. He felt the need to protect you and really enjoyed spending time with you, but that was it. He saw in you the same thing he saw in himself. Someone broken by the cruelty of the world. You had had your fair share of hard knocks and had been happy to share them with Jefferson. Well, after you got over your initial meeting.

You were running through the woods in Storybrooke when you quite literally ran into someone. You had been going too quickly to stop and ended up on your butt in the dirt. Anger flashed in your eyes as you glared up at the offending person who'd stopped your run. "Watch where you're going," he snapped and you stood. "Maybe you should watch where I'm running!" He simply quirked a brow. "Is that the best you could come up with? I have somewhere to be and this argument isn't worth my time."

You were extremely offended. After all, you had been minding your own business when he stepped in front of you. And now, he didn't have time to be polite? Instinct kicked in and you let out a low growl. Before the stranger could register what was happening, you lunged for him. However, as you were about to tackle him, you tried to stop yourself. There it was. That one thing about him that changed your outlook. Maybe it was his scent. Maybe it was the fact that he didn't even flinch at your attack. You didn't know, but whatever it was would change your life forever.

"Here's the tea," Jefferson announced as he walked into the room. He saw the look on your face and chuckled. "What's got you so confused, Y/N?" You shook your head. "I'm not confused. I was thinking about how we met. You remember?" Jefferson smiled. "Of course. How could I not? You don't forget the day your future best friend tackles you to the ground." You felt yourself flush.

Your attempt to stop yourself failed and the stranger went tumbling to the ground along with you. "Oof," he grunted as his back hit the floor of the woods. "Geez," you mumbled, getting up and offering him a hand. Jefferson took it, letting you pull him to his feet. He brushed himself off and looked at you. "You feel it too." It wasn't a question, but you nodded anyway. "I could tell. You tried to hold back that lunge just now. If you hadn't, a lot more damage would have been done." He gave you a soft, wary smile. "I'm Jefferson." You returned the gesture, introducing yourself.

"I'm still not apologizing for that." Jefferson rolled his eyes. "Of course not. That was years ago. Drink your tea." You scoffed lightly. Jefferson had an affinity for tea. It had become your "thing" after that first day. All your best conversations were held over a cup or two of tea.

It was a few days after your first meeting with Jefferson and, to your surprise, you had seen him in town. It was as if he had been looking for you, not that you were hard to find. You were down on your luck once more, trying to find a new job. There weren't that many in Storybrooke, but you didn't want to have to leave.

"Nice to see that you do know how to walk without running into things," he quipped and you glared playfully. "Very funny. Did you need something? I'm a little busy." Jefferson shrugged and opened his mouth to speak. Just then, you heard the roll of thunder and groaned. So much for your job search. Jefferson saw your reaction and offered, "Do you like tea? I make a mean cup." You chuckled a little and nodded. "I'd like that."

That day, you'd told him your story. The story of how you'd had a group of friends once, but for some reason, they all just stopped calling. Stopped greeting you when you passed by them in the street. You had no family either and you hadn't met your mate, neither platonic or romantic. At least, not until you met Jefferson. He became like a brother to you. The two of you looked out for each other and were extremely protective to the point that neither of you worried about yourselves.

You were walking back into the heart of town when it happened. A group of the town's goons decided that robbing you would be a good idea. They dragged you kicking and screaming into a back alley. You fought them off as best you could, but you were very outnumbered. That was when Jefferson appeared. It was almost like he'd sensed your distress and maybe he had. Together, the two of you were able to fight off the goons and they ran away. From that moment, you knew you could trust Jefferson with your life.

"You really are lost in thought today, Y/N." You smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I know." You took a sip of your tea and sighed as the warm liquid hit your throat. Jefferson had been right all those years ago. He did make a mean cup of tea. "Come on, how about a game?" You smirked and asked what kind of game. "A game of riddles?"

You wanted to groan. Jefferson loved speaking in riddles, but sometimes his riddles were so ridiculous even you couldn't figure them out. Still, you weren't one to turn down time with your "soulmate". "Sure. You go first." As Jefferson launched into the first riddle, you couldn't help but grin. You didn't think you'd ever have this kind of thing. But now you did, all because two broken and damaged lone wolves finally met.