Summertime Sadness
A/U: When Peter finally let Wendy leave Neverland, it took her to a strange world. Not too long after, Regina's curse struck sending Wendy to Storybrooke. Missing 'his' Wendy bird, Peter goes back for her. However, the Evil Queen's curse doesn't sit kindly to outsiders. What happens when the boy who swore he'd never grow up actually grows up? When he's finally able to return to Neverland, will he make the same mistake twice?
Side Note: In this story, Peter is not Rumplestiltskin's father. Wendy (Storybrooke Persona-Caroline) is 17 going on 18. Wendy was freed from Neverland when she was 14, 3 years passed before the curse struck taking them to Storybrooke. Peter came to Storybrooke when Henry did.
"I hated him so much for what he did to me. And now all I want to do is save his life."
"Caroline?" Ruby cleared her throat. "Earth to Caroline."
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I got lost in-"
"Must of a been a hell of a daydream." Granny cleared her throat urging Ruby to watch her language. It was bad enough that Ruby dressed like a lady of the night, she didn't need to go rubbing off on Caroline.
"No, it's fine." Caroline closed her book, completely thrown into her thoughts. "Ruby, do you believe-" Caroline sighed deeply. "Nevermind." It was silly. Her name was Caroline, not this Wendy girl. In a small town like Storybrooke, people talk. The last thing she needed was being the talk of the town and ruining her reputation. She certainly didn't want everyone to think she was crazy. It just felt so real. Like he was the missing piece to her puzzle.
"So I take it the usual?" Ruby questioned as she poured Caroline a soda.
"Actually, Im not hungry."
"Penny for your thoughts? Come on, tell me what's bothering you?" Caroline sipped slowly her soda before looking over to Ruby.
"Does it have to do with a boy?" Ashley said as she walked over to Caroline, placing her customer's order up for the chef.
"You know I'd never hurt you."
"Oh God, you guys are going to think I've lost my mind."
Both Ashley and Ruby shook their head before replying "Of course not."
"Do you ever think that the Mayor's kid is onto something? Maybe he's right, maybe there's more to who we are."
Ashley smiled. "Oh Sweetheart, if only life was that easy. I mean I guess it would make sense. But no, I'm Ashley. My name is not Ella. Do we have similarities? Maybe. Darling-"
Caroline sighed deeply. Ugh, there it was again. Darling. Just hearing it, sent shivers down her spine.
"I'm sorry. Forget I brought it up." She began to twiddle with her straw "Crazy, I know."
" I will go anywhere with you." Wendy said in a soft whisper.
"Henry is a sweet kid. But we're not living in a movie or a book. Now, what brought all this on?" Ruby asked the young girl.
"Listen, I have to go. I have a huge test to study for and a birthday party to start planning. Not to mention the dance that's coming up. " Caroline gathered her books and quickly said goodbye to the girls before leaving. Yes, they were probably ready to sign her up for the looney bin. It just didn't make sense. How could a dream feel so real?
"You've forgotten." The young man spoke sadly.
"Forgotten what? What was that back there?" Caroline followed the young man up on the rooftop. It was a masquarade dance and she was completely in a trance at how familiar his eyes were and how fitting it was being in his arms.
Out of his coat pocket, Peter pulled out a flask that he had stolen from Hook. The taste was bitter. Peter squeezed his eyes shut. Now, he understood why the Captain drank. It was easier to drink the person you loved away, then facing your demons.
Peter began to walk on the ledge. "I shouldn't have come back for you, Wendy."
Caroline was confused by the name slip up. Why was he calling her Wendy? It was obvious that he was drunk, and it was probably just a mistake. "Get down! Do you have a death wish?"
"To die would be an awfully big adventure."
As Caroline was heading back to her home, she was texting a friend and not paying any attention when she ran right into Sheriff Swan.
"Sheriff Swan. I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying any attention. I don't know what's gotten into me these days."
Emma helped Caroline gather her books. "It's ok." Emma glanced at her watch, she had plans with Henry at 6 and it was quickly approaching. As Caroline gathered her books, Emma took notice of one of the titles."Wow, I remember reading this book when I was in high school. How old are you?"
"Seventeen. But I'm turning 18 this Friday. God, it feels like I've been seventeen forever."
"I guess it does feel like that when you're that age."
"Ms. Swan-" Caroline nervously switched her books into her other arm. "I hate to ask, but I've heard stories about your son, and I was wondering about the book"-Caroline quickly realized that she had stepped out of line. "I'm sorry. That was completely out of line."
"Henry's book? That's all it is. A book. We're not living in a dream world. Listen, I was your age once, so tell me what's this really about?"
"Everything changed when you came to town. I can't put my finger on it, but it has me wondering if maybe your son is right."
Emma raised her hands in the air, surrendering "I understand it's easier to believe that, but -"
"Caroline."
"Caroline, there is no curse. Now, what gives you the impression that Henry is right about the book?"
"There's this boy."
Emma sighed deeply. "Let me guess you're trying to figure out if he's your fairytale Prince. Sweetheart, You're almost 18. Focus on that. Trust me, I'm 28 and I'm still trying to figure them out. "
"Yeah, you're right."
"Look, I have to go. I'm supposed to meet my son. Caroline, if you need someone to talk to, I don't care to lend an ear. Listen, you're young. Just have fun. Stop worrying about who you think you're supposed to be, just be yourself. And I'm sorry but stop worrying about fairytales, it's like I told Ashley. There are no fairy Godmothers' in this world. If you want something, you have to go for it yourself. Because life is not just going to hand it to you. "
"Thanks Ms. Swan."
Not many people knew about this waterfall in the forest. It was secluded and nothing pleased Caroline more than knowing she had her very own thinking spot. It was hard to imagine the fracture of the years that had passed. When Emma arrived in town, no one else would admit it but the town was changing, and that was the moment he found her.
For most, the forest would be the darkest spot in Storybrooke. Lifeless. Just as he felt his life had been. Life had been filled with regret. He missed home and this place would never be it. Emma arriving only freed him from his prison, but it didn't matter; his Wendy was gone. Regina had set a curse wiping everyone's memories. Peter cursed himself for ever letting her go. She couldn't understand, she didn't want to understand. And now she was cursed into believing she was some girl named Caroline. Peter knew he was only confusing her trying to push their memories onto her, but she had to know. Maybe it was Neverland's magic still lingering on him, but he knew she felt it. Peter saw glimmers of hope when he was with her. Slowly, she was coming back to him. Once this curse ended, they would return to Neverland, and all this nonsense would be forgiven. They parted on terrible terms, but with determination he could fix this. Time was running out. He heard stories of a young boy. Maybe he was the key...maybe he had the heart of the truest believer. Yes, he could have it all. Wendy just needed time. Eventually she would come to terms with Neverland. He hated how they ended things,she left Neverland thinking he had chosen youth over her.
In Neverland, time stands still. A few years had passed before Peter fully understood what letting Wendy go meant. News had traveled from his outsider sources that Baelfire or whatever he was going by these days had a child. The lovely mother to be was also to be the savior of Storybrooke. Neverland was untouched by Regina's curse, so maybe in her moment of weakness as Regina accepted the motherly role the strength of Storybrooke's portal would be weakened long enough for him to retrieve Wendy. However, his plan backfired. He never expected that once you entered Storybrooke, there was no returning. Discovering that Peter was just like Jefferson, she couldn't risk letting him roam all over town trying to convince the town of its cursed state. Peter was banished to the forest and sadly forced to grow up.
He watched her from his cabin window when she came out to see the waterfall. Poor Wendy. It wasn't until Emma arrived in town that he was finally able to escape his cabin. Peter had no use for Storybrooke, he could care less about these people. He only cared for Wendy, and maybe someday he could break down these Caroline walls and pull his Wendy out.
Caroline sat by the water lost in her thoughts. In a world where Caroline was perceived to have everything, she had never felt so alone. Peter watched Wendy brush a stray tear away. In his eyes, the Forest was the most perfect spot in Storybrooke, and it suited him just fine that no one dared to venture into the gloom. No one except for his Wendy.
Caroline was pulled out her thoughts as she heard footsteps approaching. She quickly stood up "It's you."
"Peter. The name's Peter."
Caroline eyed him curiously before motioning him over to sit.
"Are you ok? You like you're in need of a friend."
She gazed up at him slowly turning her frown into a smile "I don't know you. Are you stalking me?" Caroline playfully teased "I'm sorry, I was just kidding."
"If you only knew." Peter nervously chucked, Caroline sighed before flashing him a half smile. Any sane person would see the danger in the situation, but Caroline found herself strangely safe in his presence.
"I'm Caroline."
Peter rolled his eyes. It didn't make sense, Emma was in town now. It was speculated that when Emma turned 28, all would be restored. Why wasn't she Wendy?
"So what brings you up here? I mean the view is pretty nice. But usually people don't brave the cold to sit in the woods and cry." Peter took a seat next to Caroline, pulling off his coat and putting it over her.
"Thank you." Her face relaxed, and with her eyes fixed on him she leaned over and asked "So tell me, Peter. What's a guy like you doing in a place like this? I mean I don't recall seeing you much in town, and when I do its on rooftops walking on ledges?""
"You know me, the woods always appealed to me more."
"You keep acting like we know each other but we don't." Caroline's face was contorted with a mix of sadness and confusion. "And yet all I can think about it you."
"I tend to leave that impression." Peter joked, raising his eyebrows. "You're a smart girl, Wendy. You'll figure it out."
She studied his face. And yet...strangely, he felt more real than anyone she'd ever known. Normal people would brush off this insanity, but when it came to him, she had to know more. "What did you call me?"
"Forget it, you're not ready." Peter got up and began to walk away, when Caroline pulled his arm back forcing him to face her.
"I can't let it go. You're here, You're there. I can't stop thinking of you. And I can't stop thinking that you have the answers I'm looking for." Caroline threw her hands up in the air annoyed "You don't understand, in this town, everything is a blur. But when I'm around you, I get flashbacks to a younger version of myself. Everything is different when I'm with you. And I don't know why. Please, tell me."
He kissed her softly on the forehead.
"I'm sorry, Wendy. I can't keep you."
"You're really going to turn your back on me like that? Do I mean nothing to you?"
"You mean everything! That's why you have to leave. You'd never understand."
"Peter, please. Stop this. We can leave together. What's so terrible about growing up?"
"This is what you wanted, wasn't it?!" Peter practically yelled " You wanted to leave and I'm giving you an out. You don't belong, Wendy. You never did."
Caroline began to fight back the memories "Get away from me!" Caroline screamed as she pushed Peter away. "Just stay away from me!" Caroline yelled as she hurriedly ran.
"Wendy, wait!" Peter groaned as he continued to watch her leave "Caroline, please. You have to listen to me."
Peter picked up a rock and threw into the water. "Damn it!" Peter huffed. Storybrooke may have been in a cursed state, but maybe there was someone who could help. The only question remained was whether or not he would be willing to even help Peter.
Gazing up at the sign, Peter sighed heavily before opening the door.
"Store's closed. Come back tomorrow." Mr. Gold announced as he was continuing to work on his inventory, not even daring to bother looking up to the customer.
"Oh I didn't come to shop." Mr. Gold turned around to face the voice. "Hello, Rumple." Peter smiled deviously.
"Well, isn't this a site to see? The boy who swore he'd never grow up is all grown up. The sign still applies, even to you, we're closed. I certainly don't have time for your games."
"Laddie, I think you'd like this game. It's called 'Let's make a Deal'. After all, aren't deals your speciality?"
"What makes you think I'd ever want to make a deal with you?"
"Because we were once really close. And because I know a secret that you'd be dying to know."
"And?"
"It's about Baelfire." Rumple could feel his heart drop. His mind still fresh of when he let Baelfire enter into that portal alone.
Rumple pushed Peter into a wall "What of him? Answer me!"
"That's not very nice." Peter could feel Rumple's grip tighter "Alright fine, fine, he's alive. Baelfire is alive and well. "
"My son-My son is alive?"
"Now, are you ready to talk?" Rumple nodded "I need to get back to Neverland."
"No can do. I can't help you because there is no magic in Storybrooke. Part of the curse, I'm afraid."
"Then I'm afraid I can't help you find Baelfire. After all, it's not like he'd want anything to do with you anyway. Especially after you abandoned him."
"Why did you leave Neverland, then?"
Peter looked around the store, picking up a small thimble Peter gazed at it affectionately "I needed something here. " Peter continued to look around. "Surely, you have some magic. You're the Dark One."
"You called out for me, remember? You wanted to come to Neverland."
"For Bae." Wendy voiced openly. She took his hands into hers "You're right, Peter. I don't belong in Neverland." She missed home, she missed her family. God only knows how long she'd actually been in Neverland.
"Well it's too late for that." Peter replied smugly.
"I can't help you, Peter." Picking up the nearest object, Peter slammed it against the wall. "But there might be something."
"Alright you help, and I'll help reunite father and son. And I assure you, I know more than you think. Unfortunately, I can't spill that information yet because your dear Evil Queen makes it to where something bad happens if you try to escape this place." "
"Deal." Rumple and Peter shook hands agreeing. "When the curse is broken, I will bring magic to Storybrooke. That should enable you to return to Neverland. But if you so break our deal-"
"Now, Rumple. Breaking deals that's what you're good at it."
"Everyone has a weakness, Peter. You really think yours is so hard to find?"
"Don't be so fooled, Rumple."
"I know you better than you think. And for you to come to Storybrooke...well here I thought hide and seek was your perfection. "
"Hmm...must run in the family then, dear brother."
Comments? Reviews? Suggestions...let me know! Part of me always wondered what it would have been life for Peter and Wendy if they were affected by the curse. I'll admit when Peter and Rumple first had scenes together I assumed they were siblings. Hope you enjoyed this. It's been 2 weeks since the last OUAT episode and I'm wondering what this will mean for future Pan episodes. At first I didn't like the thought of Peter so dark and twisted, but I like it. So comment and let me know what you thought. Thanks for reading!