He sat there in quiet contemplation.
He wanted to be a better man, the type of man he used to be.
He used to be a good man, one that was looked up to and respected.
But that was a long time ago, before he first came to this infernal island. Before he first met Peter Pan and before his beloved brother died.
Should he believe Pan? Of course he should. Pan may be a villain, he might not tell you the entire truth but he would never actually lie.
So, Baelfire, Neal, was alive, and it was left to him to decide whether or not to tell Emma.
He wanted Emma with a passion he had not felt for many years, but did he love her? He wasn't sure. Did she love him? He doubted it. Maybe she could grow to love him given time. If that kiss was anything to go by then yes she could. But it would be a love built on secrets, a love built up from the ashes of her 'dead' true love.
Neal was her true love. There was no denying that. The fact that they had found each other, in a world without magic, was proof enough. Could he handle being second best?
No.
He knew what he had to do.
He got up from the rock and headed back to the camp.
"Emma," he said.
"What do you want?" Emma said, not looking at him.
"I've just had a visit from Pan."
Her head shot up.
"He told me something, something that I would much rather keep to myself. But i wont. You deserve to know."
"Know what?"
"Baelfire.. Neal. He's alive."
"What?"
Confusion, shock and guilt flit across her face.
"He's alive, he's on Neverland and Pan has him."