Lila had killed countless monsters, fended for herself for almost a decade, and lived for hundreds more on a magical island, all before the age of 16. Yet nothing made her quite so uneasy as lunchtime at Storybrooke High.

School was rare in the Enchanted Forest, especially for poor, "orphaned" girls who never stayed in a single town for too long. Most parents decided to teach their kids how to follow in their footsteps. Farmers taught their kids how to farm, merchants let their kids tag along on short trips, things like that. No reason to send a child to school, especially since they weren't all that common.

But they weren't in the Enchanted Forest anymore. In Storybrooke they followed the same routine their cursed selves followed. Wake up at 7 and go to school from 8 to 3, Monday through Friday. Lila dreaded school. Not because of the actual school part, but because of the sheer stupidity of her classmates.

One of the mysteries of Storybrooke was how it ran as smoothly as it did. Just looking at Storybrooke High there was quite the royalty complex. The sons and daughters of kings and lords all vied for the position at the top of the food chain. It was all for the best that Lila didn't bother herself with popularity. She couldn't compete with the oh-so-royal competition.

"Wake up, lazybones."

Lila's eyes cracked open, shadows moving in front of her vision as her brain adjusted. A groan escaped her as she forced her eyes open, glaring at Ace, what was leaning over her with a stupid grin on his face.

"Bite me."

"Don't think I won't. Get up."

Lila stuck her tongue out childishly, rolling over onto her back. "Do you have my phone?"

"It's on the dresser. And no, I'm not getting it for you. I have to get this freak," A squeal pierced from the bathroom. "Ready for school."

"But," Lila whined, pulling herself up slightly. "Lazy."

"Deal with it."

Huffing, Lila reached towards her phones, straining her arm. Suddenly it shot towards her, smacking into her face. Gasping in pain, she held her nose, which had begun to bleed.

"Damn it!"

Ace and Charlie ran in, only to burst into laughter. Grabbing tissues from the box on the counter Ace sat next to her, holding the bunch out. His face was bright red from restraint.

"You...ok?"

Snatching the tissues from his hand, Lila held it up to her nose, struggling to keep a neutral mask.

"I'm fine. No thanks to you." Lila slid the phone into her jacket, which was handing from her bed post. The bleeding was already slowing, so she pulled herself to a stand and held her head high. "And I hate you."

Lila grabbed clothes from her drawer and ran into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. Charlie knocked softly as she got ready, slipping into simple jeans and a t-shirt. As she dressed for the day it hit her once again how much she'd changed in the short time the curse had been broken. When the curse broke she reverted back into how she was right before the curse hit. Untrusting, a loner. Now here she was, making jokes and acting like a normal teenager. Well, as normal as she could be. Ace and Charlie made her feel normal. Like she finally had a family again. But her stomach fluttered as she thought about school. She wasn't quite ready to make nice with anyone she came across.

Lila's fingers flew as she braided a thin section of her hair so it hung at the side of her face. Lila closed her eyes as she finished, imagining the fingers braiding her hair weren't hers, but the soft hands of her mothers. She could almost hear her humming the lullaby that put Lila to sleep every night.

"Lila?"

Broken from her trance, Lila jolted, tying the ribbon around the end of her braid.

"Coming. Don't leave without me!"

"Too late...here we go." Lila heard exaggerated footsteps that made her smile. Throwing the door wide open, Lila scooped the little boy into her arms and held him upside down, swinging him as he squealed. Ace stood by, leaning against the wall and laughing.

"Oh, so now you're awake."

"Shut up." Lila put Charlie down and grasping his hand tightly. She turned to Ace and batted her eyelashes. "Do hurry up. We'll be late."

The morning was uneventful. History, math, literature...all were dull to Lila, who spent her time lost in thought. Ace was only in one of her classes, as he was a grade above her, so she didn't see him until lunch. None of her other classmates tried to talk to the weird girl who sat in the back of the class buried in a book. The few who even glance at her decided she was unworthy of their time, instead turning to friends or those higher up in attempts to win their favor. Lila simply read. Fiction, history, whatever she had borrowed from the library.

Lila had found herself at the library more and more just within the previous week. Every time she entered with an armful of books and somehow exited with even more. Belle had been catching up with the world's best novels, from Dickens to Rowling. Lila was more than delighted to spend time with her, going through dusty tomes and novels she'd never heard of. However, ever since she learned of Belle's involvement with the Dark One she found herself glancing out of the corner of her eyes, ready to slip out a back door.

"Lila? Liiiiiila...Lila your elbow is in my mashed potatoes."

Lila jerked, her arm slamming onto the top of the plastic table. Ace looked at her playfully, pushing his tray away.

"I wasn't hungry anyway."

"Sorry," Lila grabbed a napkin from her plate and wiped the food off her arm, her own stomach growling. "Uh...did I..."

"I got your lunch." He pulled another tray from the other side of the table and pushed to towards her. "Honestly woman, what would you do without me?"

"Seriously?" She smiled distantly. "I don't know."

Ace's smiled playfully and grabbed a fry from her plate. "A potato for a potato. We're even."

Lila pushed him and crossed her arm in faux anger. "Such an unfair trade."

Ace placed his elbow on the table and leaned on his hand. "Oh really? In what way?"

Suddenly someone cleared their throat next to them. Lila was aware of how close her and Ace were now, pulling back and turning to face the shadow hovering over them. Her lips pursed as she sighed.

"What do you want, Annalise?"

Annalise Bowman, the princess of a small kingdom back in the Enchanted Forest, was standing next to their table, a fake smile plastered on her face. Ace hid a laugh, covering his mouth with her hand as if he was yawning. Lila just glanced away, her sudden burst of desire to speak fading.

"Now now...no need for hostility, Rosie. I was just coming over to ask you who you're voting for in the election."

"Election?" Ace raised an eyebrow. "How...democratic. Very unlike our land."

"Well, I'm running for president," She didn't have to add an "of course" but it was in her tone. And in the flip of her perfect, blonde princess hair. "So...vote for me."

Lila glanced from Annalise, to Ace, and back at Annalise, before breaking into laughter. Ace followed suit, with the princess standing there awkwardly, her fake smile fading. After a minute she decided it was best to leave the pair rolling in their seats, sulking back to the table where she held court. As soon as she was out of earshot Lila calmed, sitting up straight and throwing her head back.

"Vote for me. Or don't. I'll win anyway because my dad is the principal." Lila scoffed. "Democracy at work."

"Maybe we should try and be nicer to them. Make some new friends." Ace's leaned back on the bench, watching with amusement in his eyes as Annalise sulked away.

"New friends? I haven't been one for making friends in a long time." Lila stuck a fry in her ketchup and popped it into her mouth. "Trying to abandon me, Ace?"

Lila waited for an answer, swirling another fry. After a few moments, she glanced up at her friend, surprised to see a serious look on his face. Her smile faltered.

"Ace..."

"Never." Ace hesitated for a moment before reaching across the table and taking one of her hands. Her face warmed as he squeezed it. "I promise."

The pair of them sat for a few seconds, an air of awkwardness surrounding them until Lila pulled her hand away, reaching to brush a piece of hair behind her ear. The lump in her throat lessened as she cleared it, her face hot. Ace looked at Lila, his own face noticeably red.

"Ummm...You're kinda not the only one with separation problems."

Lila giggled nervously. "Tell me about it."

The air cleared, both relieved the tension was over. But Lila realized that this was one of the first private things Ace had told her.

"Ace...I've told you a lot about myself...I think you owe me something."

Ace's ears turned red as he straightened his glasses. "Do I?"

"Yes," Lila knew how hard It could be to talk about the past, but she was owed at least a sliver of Ace's. Especially since she had overshared over the past few weeks.

"Ummm...my whole life story or..."

"Anything." Lila sat up straight, giving her friend her undivided attention. "Whatever you're comfortable with."

"Well I told you that I left my town when I was eight. I was found on the steps of my town's orphanage when I was two. No note, too young to remember anything about my parents. I don't even know if their alive or not." Ace couldn't quite meet Lila's eye as he swung his legs childishly. "But if they are alive, which I've always been pretty sure of...they left me alone. Abandoned."

There was a palpable silence over the pair as Lila was unable to say anything. She just peeked at her friend, feeling like she could kick herself.

"Ace..."

"So yeah...separation problems."

Both of them laughed nervously. "Understatement, for both of us."

The bell rang loud, making Ace jump. Everyone around them began to stand, throwing away whatever remained of their lunch while conversing with friends on their way into the school building. Lila and Ace stayed behind for a few seconds, each staring down at their feet.

"Ace..." Lila raised her head slightly, tugging at the braid in her hair softly. "I...thanks for telling me. I mean, I want you to feel comfortable telling me things. You've helped me so much all this time and...I wanted to help you in a way. I've never...I mean..." She closed her mouth, fiddling her fingers in her lap. "I'll shut up now."

The corner of Ace's lip curved into a soft smile. "It's ok." He reached over and took her hand again. There was less awkwardness this time, Lila squeezing and standing. Ace followed suit, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

"To gym class we go."

His old air of humour returned as he offered Lila his arm, just as he had the first day they met.

"My Lady?"

This time, Lila took it without a reply, simply smiling at her "escort."

Though Lila and Ace were in different grades, they both had gym class after lunch. That is, if you could call it gym class. Instead of basketball, baseball, dodge ball, or anything else you would expect in a regular high school, they had spent the past few days learning archery. Dozens of targets lined the large plot of land next to the school, each riddled with holes, though not as many as many as you would expect from the number of kids in the class. It was apparent on the first day that despite having lived in a dangerous land full on monsters, half of the kids in Lila's gym class had never picked up a bow before. There had been a few injuries, (a red arm from incorrect posture, someone hitting themselves in the eye while while pulling back on the bowstring), but all in all the classes were fairly uneventful. Still, Lila marveled at the fact the school decided to give teenagers weapons. Sure the arrows were blunted and most of the bows weren't all that powerful, but it seemed that teenagers could turn anything into weapons.

Lila decided to lay low during archery she loved challenging herself, she wasn't keen on attracting too much attention. She aimed for the rings, only allowing herself a bulls-eye a few times. The teacher would praise her, but continue on to other students who were not as accurate, but more precise than she had aimed to be. Lila hadn't shot a bow much after she left Neverland, but the many years of lessons with the lost boys stuck with her whether she wanted them to or not.

However, when Lila and Ace wandered over to gym class they were surprised to see not bows and targets, but lines of wooden swords laying on the ground. They glanced at each other and shrugged, making their way to the lines. Their classmates lingered in groups, none noticing the pair. Fredrick, the gym teacher, turned to the class.

Rumours about their gym teacher had been spiraling around the class. Something about turning from flesh to gold then back to flesh again. No one had the nerve to ask him, but Lila was curious. Whether it was true or not she wasn't sure, but she liked him as a teacher. She did know he used to be a knight, which was probably why their class included deadly weapons.

"Alright everyone, settle down and face me."

The murmur of voices died, the gaggle of students turning to face their teacher, some still giggling to themselves.

"Everyone step forward and stand behind a sword."

Excited chatter filled the silence as Lila and Ace stood behind two swords laying side by side.

"Sword fighting?" Ace grinned, whatever was left of his serious demeanor from lunch melting away. "That's what I'm talking about."

Lila let out a laugh, revealed the tension had cleared. She reached over and punched his shoulder.

"Oh yeah? What do you know about sword fighting Mr. I-almost-got-choked." She joked, reminding him of their early days together. She flicked a piece of hair over her shoulder, grinning.

"Ok, I was surprised and not holding a sword," Ace's eyes shone. "Is that a challenge?"

"Was I not clear?" Lila taunted, looking back at Fredrick, who was explaining sword grip to the students.

Annalise grumbled and threw the sword down, whispering angrily to her friends. "I don't need this. Why do we need to know how to sword fight anyway? We're here now, not back home."

Her friends nodded in agreement, though a few seemed excited at the prospect of learning to fight. Lila just smirked slightly, gripping her wooded sword.

"Now, do any of you have experience sword fighting?"

Ace's hand went into the air, as well as about a dozen other guys. Lila hesitated before raising hers, the only girl to do so. The guys all oohed and started pushing each other like idiots. Lila's face reddened, but she wasn't surprised to be the only girl. Most girls in the Enchanted Forest didn't learn to sword fight until after they left home, if they learned at all. Parents focused more on finding a good match than teaching self defense.

"Alright. That group go to the side and start sparing. I trust you won't kill each other."

Lila's eyes widened in shock as the others in her group went off to the side, talking and boasting about their skills.

"Already?" She whispered to Ace, who was grinning widely. "He really trust us. We're idiotic teenagers."

"Hey, speak for yourself," Ace joke, planting his feet into a fighting stance. Lila shook her head lightly, a smile playing on her lips as she readied herself. Ace looked at her approvingly.

" Wow. You're stance in perfect," He remarked.

"Well," Lila's face darkened slightly, memories flashing through her head. "Good form was kinda my dad's thing. Must have rubbed off."

Lila thought she saw a flash of recognition in Ace's eyes, but it was gone as the pair touched swords, stepping back until they had a reasonable space between them. The other pairs had already started, wooden sword flying in unruly, unpracticed patterns.

"Oh yeah, they have experience," Ace scoffed playfully, giving Lila his full attention.

"Ready?"

"You're the one yapping about, Ace."

"I'll take that as a yes."

Ace lunged towards Lila, his sword aimed for her arm. Lifting her sword expertly, Lila easily blocked the blow, jumping back a few steps and raising an eyebrow."

"That all you got?"

Flashing a grin, Lila took a step towards Ace, slicing her sword near his stomach. As he reflected she reached out with her free hand and hit him on the head, just hard enough to distract him.

"What the..." Lila stabbed his stomach, shifting her weight and smiling.

"I win."

Ace stepped back, looking at Lila appraisingly.

"Alright, so you're not bad. You fight dirty," He pointed his sword in an accusatory way. "But not bad."

"Oh come on, that wasn't dirty. You can't get distracted so easily. Wanna go again?"

Ace slashed towards Lila in response.

"Now who fights dirty?" Lila asked innocently.

All attempts to avoid showing off went out the window. The pair danced in a series of attempted blows and parries, neither one's sword touching the other's skin. Ace swiped his feet under Lila's, knocking her off balance, but Lila just threw herself backwards, flipping and landing on her feet with her sword in her hand. Ace was dumbfounded.

"How...you didn't tell me you were some kinda of master gymnast!"

"I'm not," Lila smirked slightly as she aimed for Ace's hand. "But I've learned some things. What about you?"

"Well...I learned from a disgraced knight so...no backflips here."

Lila's interest peaked as she jumped over Ace's sword as he swiped for her knees. Rolling to the side she stabbed towards his lower back, only to be blocked again.

"You're not bad yourself. Disgraced knight you say?"

"What? I'll tell you..." Ace grunted as Lila rolled under his legs and kicked him in the back, sending him toppling onto his stomach. As he rolled onto his back and reached for his sword, Lila stepped on it, leaning over Ace as he lay in the dirt. Her hair hanging in her face, she smiled.

"Do you yield, good sir?"

The whole crowd of students stood in a wide circle around them, staring in awe at the girl standing over her friends with a wooden sword pointed at his chest.

"Never, my most esteemed Pirate."

Lila's eyes flew open in surprise just as Ace wrapped his legs around hers and flipped, sending her crashing to the ground with him now over her. A sharp pain caused her to cry out, holding her wrist tightly. Ace's triumphant expression faltered.

"Li...Rosie? Are you..."

Lila simply shook her head, gritting her teeth as Fredrick ran over to inspect her wrist.

"I would say go to the nurse, but it seems the hospital would be more appropriate. Should I call a parent?"

"No," Lila gasped in pain and shook her head. "No need...it's not far. Ace can take me. Right, Ace?"

She stared pointedly at her friend, who nodded.

"Yeah. She was walk ok so...it'll be ok."

Fredrick escorted them to the principal's office, alerting him to their situation. He insisted on calling a parent, but Lila managed to delay it, saying she wanted to be sure it would require immediate treatment before disturbing them at work. Though looking doubtful, he gave his permission for them to leave. Lila and Ace left the building in silence, walking down the road to the hospital.

"Lila..." Ace glanced at her, a worried look on his face. "I'm sorry...I thought you would..."

"You called me a pirate." Lila interrupted him, staring at the sky.

"I...yeah. So?"

"I never told you my dad is a pirate."

Ace looked over at Lila, reaching up to run a hand through his hair. "What? Lila why..."

"I told you about my dad a bit, Ace, but not that he's a pirate. How did you know?"

"Lila, surprisingly my cursed-self wasn't completely idiotic. He did read a good amount. Including Peter Pan. You mentioned good form...I guessed. Guess I was right."

Lila walked, her eyes on the ground, her thoughts racing.

"So you just...figured it out in a few minutes? Without asking any other questions? Ace...is there something else going on?"

Ace stopped walking, staring at Lila with an incredulous look on his face.

"I can't believe you're doing this again."

"Doing what again, Ace." Lila didn't turn to look at her friend, but could feel his eyes staring at her. "Doing what..."

"You know...you just confuse me." Making his way to her front, Ace spoke, a slight laugh in his voice. "First you say you want to protect me, then I leave and you want me to come back, but you obviously don't trust me so...what do you want?" He crossed his arms, looking down at her as she refused to meet her eye.

"Ace...I know somethings up. Don't lie to me. Please." Lila tried to walk past, but Ace gently held her arm.

"I'm not lying. I promise."

"Then tell me about your past. Not some random fact here and there, the whole story."

Lila dropped all attempt at being gentle. Her face flushed, she pushed past her friend and entered the hospital, not pausing to see if he followed.