Chapter Twelve: Family

Jefferson let Henry in without hesitation, knowing something was clearly very wrong. John and Michael would never let him off by his own without someone they trusted, even in a town as harmless as this. Despite knowledge that Peter Pan was unable to enter the town while it was cursed, it was clear they lived in fear of him. And with the stories the Mad Hatter had heard of the times in Neverland they could speak of, he could hardly blame them in the slightest. He almost seemed worse than Rumplestiltskin.

They walked into the kitchen where Jefferson immediately went to the kettle, as he did every time his guests came. Henry sat at the counter across from him. "Hot chocolate rather than tea like usual, I imagine?"

Henry shook his head, clearly lost in thought. "No thank you."

"A hot beverage is the best way to clear away bluebells… or is it simply blues? I forget. You see in Wonderland it is the bluebells that gives you the blues. They tickle your ankles and all of a sudden you don't feel happy for a week." He stirred in the chocolate mix, added the whipped cream and cinnamon as a good host know guest preferences, and slid it over to him. "Now, what happened?"

Henry took a large sip. "I'm leaving Storybrooke. I came here hoping I could borrow some things for the trip." Oh, that wouldn't do. That wouldn't do at all. Jefferson now felt he had a mission. He could not let Henry cross the town line by any means. The curse kept Henry hidden and safe. If he stepped outside- John and Michael could never handle it even if they did get their sister back.

"Henry, something tells me you didn't run that plan by your parents. I'm actually getting the feeling they do not even know that you are here. Why don't we-"

"If you call them I'll tell Regina we visit you," he threatened quickly. Jefferson could tell he wasn't joking, and that severely worried him. That meant Henry was serious about crossing the town line. That meant Jefferson had to try even harder to get him to stay.

"Okay. I hear you," he played along, hands in the air. "Can we at least talk about why you're so desperate to get away?" Henry hesitated, so Jefferson leaned forward over the counter with his face balancing on his fist. "I happen to know a thing or two about leaving people behind."

"You didn't want to though. You were going to come back."

"But I didn't."

Finally, he started talking. "I did something at school and a kid got hurt pretty bad. So I need to go away before Dad and Uncle John send me away because they don't love me anymore."

"Henry, kid, you need to listen to me. There is absolutely nothing you could do that would cause your parents not to love you." He tried to put a lot of passion behind it, but it was abundantly clear he would not sway his thinking in this manner. He needed to try another route, a more personal route. He stood straight, hoping to convey his more serious intent with his following words.

"Henry, leaving Grace is the biggest regret of my life. I could never stop thinking about what she must have thought those years I was trapped in Wonderland. She probably never stopped looking for me, never moved on with life because I took myself away from her. But it also weighs on me who I became without her. This world, I'm sorry to say, is a very dark place. Everything wants to bring you the bluebells. Everything wants to keep you from believing that you could possibly be happy. And it too often succeeds, as it did with me when I was making those hats trying to get back to her."

Well, he had his attention now at least. But it was coupled with tears, which were not planned. Perhaps he had gone a step too far. He was never quite sure about that line anymore- even with visitors these days. He really wasn't in the habit of parenting anymore. "But there is something that keeps it from us. There is light in life… and that comes from the people in our lives. Since you and your parents have started visiting, I now have hope. I am a better person. Your parents need you Henry, and you need them. I worry about who they will become without you." He worried they would become so dark even getting Wendy back would not save them. Clearly their lives were miserable before, and he knew from experience losing a child either by giving him up or his running away would cast them back deeper than they were before. "You three need to be together, as all families should be. Take it from someone who knows."

The words sunk in for a long moment. "They said they were disappointed in me." It was the last thing he was clinging to. He could see it.

"They were. They're going to be. It happens. But they know you are not perfect and will make mistakes. They're just trying to make you the best person you can be, because…"

"Because they love me," he whispered. "They love me," he repeated, more confident this time. He finally took a sip of his hot chocolate. "Uncle Jefferson, I'm sorry I said-"

"I know. You didn't mean it." He walked around the counter to place a hand around his shoulder. "I forgive you, kid."

He was shocked when Henry hugged him, face burying in his stomach. It took a minute before he worked up the nerve to hug him back. Maybe he wasn't beyond saving either. With Henry he finally had the one thing Regina has desperately tried to deprive of him: hope.

"Let's call you parents, okay? We'll take it from there." He felt Henry nod. "I'm glad you came to me rather than just running off."

It took a moment and even then he barely heard it. "I am too."

The curse would be broken. Henry would remain with his parents. He would have Grace back. The world was dark and horrible, but they could have a happy ending.

He truly believed it.

XXX

John couldn't breathe. Graham literally had to pull the squad car over and tell his deputy that he needed get ahold of himself or he was going straight to the hospital and Dr. Whale. But as they started driving again and the deep petrifying fear that Henry was out there somewhere by himself crept into him the gasping had quickly come again. It had been a problem back in Neverland and especially in their time at the orphanage, but it had been close to fifteen years since this had happened.

So he sat breathing into a paper bag, mind clearly a train wreck as his partner and friend drove through the roads on the outskirts of town. "We're going to find him, John," Graham assured him with a pat on his leg. Since that offered drink the two had grown into fast friends over the past year, spending quite a few evenings at family dinner as Regina would allow. He knew he could count on the Sheriff for practically anything, and it increased his desire to free him from the control of the Evil Queen. "The entire town is searching every nook and cranny from Main Street out. Even the Mayor-Regina is helping with a search party."

"I know," John desperately tried to pull it together. He managed to steady himself enough to throw the bag on the floor of the squad car. "I'm being ridiculous."

"Now I never said that," Graham made known. "There is nothing ridiculous about being frantically worried about your son. That's just being a parent. But you do need to keep your head on straight as my deputy so we can figure this out. Where else should we look?"

John racked his brain. "We went to my house, Regina's, the school, Granny's, the sheriff's station, the drugstore, and his favorite park plus playground. I don't know where else to look." He dreaded what that left.

"Perhaps we should start looking at the town line," Graham offered, regretting his words when he glanced to see John had gone completely pale, "just… in case."

He managed to nod, despite his entire brain shutting down at the thought. There was that at least. He could almost see it in his head now- Henry would cross the town line in his attempt to run only for the shadow to snatch him mere moments afterwards. Because of course Pan would know if Henry left and would be ready for when he did. They would never see him again and he would be in the hands of Pan once and for all. John was pretty sure the plans for his son didn't leave him with any sort of a life afterwards, hence the chill creeping up his spine. He couldn't do this. He wasn't ready for this. He still had two years. He was supposed to have two more years. But it was starting to look as if even that wouldn't be enough. Ten years with Henry wasn't enough.

As they drove towards the "Welcome to Storybrooke" sign, John gained his senses enough to realize that he couldn't allow Graham to cross the town line. He knew no citizen had ever tried to leave under the curse and feared what could become of his friend if they attempted. Maybe it would put him too far away from his heart and kill him instantly. "Wait," he said suddenly, causing Graham to slam on the brakes. "I-I don't think we need to go much farther. I think after that whole encounter when he was little, Henry tries to stay as far away from here as possible."

"I think we should still get out and look," Graham voiced, beginning to climb out of the car as he switched on his flashlight. John was about to follow, another excuse already on his tongue, when his phone started ringing in his pocket. Upon seeing it was Michael he immediately answered.

"Did you find him?"

"Yeah. He made his way to Granny's and they called me right away. He was with Jefferson, but he set him straight." All the worry should have left John, but he was still very much a bundle of nerves. "John, you need to breathe," he heard his brother lecture him as he was silent on the other end. "We're waiting for you on Main Street. Calm down so you can come and see him."

As soon as he hung up and informed Graham of the good news, the two were barreling down the road on the short distance back to Main Street, bouncing slightly in their seats as they hit a hill. "See, John. I knew we'd find him!" John tried to smile, but faltered. Despite knowing his brother had Henry and he was safe, he knew he would not be able to really catch his breath until he saw him. Until he knew for sure they still had him and not Peter Pan. He tried to keep it under control so Graham didn't force him to use the bag again, and though it was far from easy he managed.

The car barely came to a stop before John was barreling out of it. It seemed like the whole town had gathered on Main Street, but he only had eyes for one person. Henry stood with Michael's hand on his shoulder, refusing to even look up at him. He was practically trembling as John nearly ran up to him. It was only when he stopped to just look at him that Henry glanced up at him with tear-filled eyes.

"Dad, I-"

He didn't get in another word before John was on his knees, pulling his son in for a tight hug. He was nearly in tears despite himself, panic finally subsiding upon seeing that he was truly okay. "Oh thank goodness," he breathed, hand holding the back of his son's head. He could finally breathe again. "Thank goodness you're okay, Henry. I'm just so glad you're safe."

"I'm sorry, Dad." Henry was crying into his shoulder, so he gently kissed the top of his head. "I'm so sorry. You were just so mad at me. I didn't want you to send me away because you didn't love me anymore."

John somehow pulled him even closer so they were nose to nose. "Henry, listen to me. I will always love you. There is nothing you could do that would possibly change that." Sniffles could be heard from all around as the town watched a father's love play out right before them. If you asked anyone from that point onward, no one would even hesitate in saying that John Darling was Henry's dad in all ways- adopted or no. "Never do that again, okay? We were so worried. Something could have happened to you. Just-oh, I love you."

"I love you too, Dad." John finally felt comfortable enough that he was actually there to pull away and rise back to his feet, hand still on his son's shoulder. He then looked up to Michael for the first time and the two had an entire conversation just by looking at one another.

They couldn't do it. They couldn't be apart from him for slightly over three hours without almost losing their minds. They loved him that much. They were truly and fully his parents and that meant putting him before themselves. There was absolutely no way they could hand him over to the demon that was Peter Pan, even if it was for Wendy. They would protect him at any cost. She would never like the people they became without him anyway. Even if it meant facing the ultimate skeleton in their closet when the curse was broken. Even if it meant finally fighting back against Peter Pan after three hundred years. They would have to figure out some other way to get Wendy back. They would do it. They would do anything to keep him because he was their son. The curse was going to break with nowhere to run, but the two would be ready to fight to the bitter end whatever was thrown at them.

John was not going to have an excuse to have a panic attack like that ever again.

And that unfortunately also meant it was time to tell him everything.

"Let's go home," John said after all this was conveyed between the two of them. "It's been a long day." Michael nodded and the two brothers started for their car with Henry wedged firmly between them. He gave Graham a quick hug, thumping him on the back. "Thank you for everything."

"Of course," Graham answered with a smile. "Take the day off tomorrow John. Spend some time with your family."

"Are-are you sure?"

"I can handle it. And only if I get dinner tomorrow night at your place."

"Sounds like a plan." He then turned to face the gathered crowd, giving a large wave. "Thank you everyone! We appreciate all you help this evening!" With that, they climbed into the car where Henry promptly fell asleep on the ride back- head against the fogged window.

John gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. "We're going to tell him in the morning," he said in a way that was a statement rather than a question, resigned and a little scared.

Michael nodded. "We tell him in the morning." There was a beat before he spoke again. "It's going to be okay. He'll understand."

John pulled the turn signal with a little more force than was needed. "I'm not entirely sure about that."

XXX

Michael watched his brother hesitate at the doorknob to Henry's room the next morning. They had been up all night first constantly checking in that Henry was indeed safe and asleep in his bed and second going over what they were about to say beat by beat in the kitchen. They left nothing to chance as this moment was clearly going to define their family for the rest of their lives.

"Do it," he commanded his brother gently before either of them lost their nerve. John nodded and the two proceeded into the room where Henry was perched on his bed, pouring over the book. They took a seat on either side of him, earning his attention. Both looked to one another for a moment, looking for strength and guidance.

John thankfully took the lead, as his big brother was prone to do. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He hit his chest to force the lump from his throat. "Henry, we have something we need to talk to you about. A story to tell you."

"Does that mean I'm not in trouble?" The two brothers laughed despite their nerves, John running a hand through his hair.

"Oh, we'll get to that. But… but we want to tell you the second part to the story of why we came to Storybrooke." John glanced at his brother. "Our part."

Michael could see Henry's enthusiasm immediately bubble to the surface. He shut the book and was looking up at both of them with wide eyes. He saw John stall at this and decided to address his nephew. "What your dad has to say is going to explain some things. For example, why you can't go running off like that." Their son was so curious he could barely sit still.

John took a steadying breath before beginning, Michael conveying that they were in this together. "We lived in London," he began, "with our parents and sister Wendy."

"Plus a boy who came to live with us," Michael felt he needed to add. They both tried desperately not to forget the boy who sacrificed himself for their family. "Baelfire."

"Wait a moment," Henry couldn't help but chime in. "Wendy, John, and Michael Darling? Like in Peter Pan?" Realization suddenly dawned on him. "So you two are fairy-tale characters?!"

"Sort of. It's complicated." The two actually didn't understand the whole of it, how the story was penned in this world while they suffered. They sometimes wondered if it was Pan, determined to make them suffer by painting himself the hero in a book of lies. It certainly was something he would do.

"You never let me read Peter Pan," Henry reminded them.

"With good reason," John said with a little too much venom. He quickly dialed it back though as Henry pulled back a little. "You'll see. So Wendy discovered a shadow one night- a magical shadow- when we were kids that took children to Neverland. There kids never had to grow up it promised. After some confusion," he glossed over some details as they had decided, "when the shadow came to physically take us Baelfire sacrificed himself for our family- let the shadow take him. He did that even though he told Wendy not to mess with magic in the first place."

"That was really brave," Henry spoke up, much more somber now as he realized how serious this story was going to be. The brothers nodded in agreement. "Why did the shadow want you?"

Michael was up. "It was Peter Pan's shadow- doing what its owner wanted. He was looking for a certain boy- a very special one. Was looking for a very long time."

"Wendy felt guilty about the ordeal though," John picked back up. "So we tricked the shadow into taking us-armed to fight Peter Pan and save Baelfire." He swallowed a lump, knowing this was the hardest part. Michael stared straight ahead- memories he hadn't thought of in a long time flooding back to him. "It was a trap of course. Pan saw we weren't who he needed but refused to let us go. He thought we could be useful."

"He doesn't seem very nice. I thought he was a hero."

"Hence why you never read the book. He was cruel and very scary. Put us all in cages- Wendy separate from us. That… that was the last time we saw her," he choked. As he spoke Michael was battered by memories. He could remember kicking and screaming as her hand was ripped from his. The darkness. Time- so much time that they both lost track. The boys chasing and tormenting them for fun. Crying themselves to sleep every night and braving every day. Never-ending suffering. All because of Pan.

John was clearly doing the same, the two sitting in a haunted silence. Their son seemed to sense how sad his parents had become and desperately wanted to fix them, wanted his parents back rather than these scared children they once were. So he wrapped his arms around both of them, giving him what he had no idea he had been giving them all along- enough love to move past all of that. The three stayed that was for a long time before Joh continued, removing his glasses to briefly wipe the tears away.

"He kept us for close to… to three hundred years. Most of the time in a cage. Sometimes he would force us to amuse his Lost Boys by being chased through the jungle. We didn't age a day though. It was… Henry, I can't describe it to you."

"It's okay Dad," He whispered, turning his head to bury it in John's side while still hugging them both tight. "Keep going."

"Finally he let us go back to London. But it was to a world we didn't understand anymore- it had been so long. There was no one around we still knew- even our parents had died. So we grew up alone in an orphanage with only each other. When we were grown up… Pan was waiting to tell us what to do. And we had to listen because he still had Wendy. So we ran what he called the Home Office with nothing and nobody in our live- two bitter people so full of anger and sadness at both the man who kept them captive and the world that didn't believe what had happened to them. He was always watching us, even when we desperately wished to be left alone."

Now came the worst part. They both knew it. Michael gently guided Henry's head so his eyes met his Uncle's. "We love you so much, okay?" Henry nodded, though a little lost.

"Eight years ago Pan came to us with what he told us was our final mission," John began with a heavy heart. "Do this and Wendy was ours. Our family back together. You see… he had found the boy he was looking for."

Henry was no fool. They both knew that. Michael felt his heart fall out of his chest as Henry pulled away from the two of them, staring in hurt and confusion. "Me. It's me. Peter Pan… wants me."

"But you were just a baby, so-"

"So you raised me." He was crying now, abruptly pulling away when John reached out to him. "You didn't adopt me because you wanted me! You did it so Pan would trade you for Wendy! The whole time," he shouted at them, "you never wanted me! It was a lie."

"Henry," Michael desperately pleaded with him. "Just hear us out. We came here to raise you around magic until you were ten." This wasn't helping, but they had to keep going. They had to say everything. He deserved that. "The town is protected until the curse breaks. Pan couldn't see us here. He couldn't control us. So we did the one thing he never wanted. We let you steal our hearts. It wasn't planned honestly, but John and I are your parents. It didn't start out that way, but that is truly how we feel. We love you. We love you because for the first time since we went to Neverland we felt safe and happy. Like we had a future, a family. You did that for us."

Henry was still silent, though the tears had stopped. Michael looked up at John, who suddenly lit up and leaned forward. "You were and always will be our knight in shining armor." He put a hand on Henry's shoulder, letting out a small sigh of relief that he didn't move away. But he didn't move towards either. He looked unbelievably confused. "And we've come to love you so much that we can't even picture Pan taking you. You belong with us. He is not going to take you," John vowed, voice full of passion. "We will fight him- finally stand up to him- for you. Because that's how much we want you."

Henry looked up at him, eyes wide. "But Wendy-"

"Wendy would never want us to become the people we would be without you. We'd be lost to that darkness that once claimed us forever."

There was then a pause, a long excruciating pause. They just waited, holding their breath as the gears in Henry's head were clearly turning. But something suddenly seemed to click for him. Something fell into just the right place. And then suddenly he smiled- he smiled! "You could have lied to me. But you didn't. The villains lie, but the heroes don't. You told me because you do want me. You told me because you love me that much."

Both surged forward to hug him, wondering what they had done to deserve him in their lives. "Yeah, Henry," Michael laughed in pure joy. "We love you that much. We have a few years to figure out how we're going to save you. We'll think of something."

"He's not doing whatever he wants with you," John agreed. "We promise."

Henry pulled back to look up at the two of them; smile bigger than they had ever seen it. "And a Darling always keeps his promises." He opened the book on his lap again. "Don't worry. I'm sure we'll think of something… together."

"Together," the two brothers agreed in unison.

XXX

Henry was almost nine when he made his biggest mistake. He had thrown all of his recent free time into pouring over the book for any sort of solution to his family's dilemma. He had to help his parents any way they could, because clearly Peter Pan was a villain to be reckoned with by how they acted. They would need something brilliant. He wasn't letting go of his parents just as much as they weren't letting go of him.

"Henry," a voice pierced his thoughts. He looked up to see Regina smiling at him, a smile he now knew to be fake. He knew that all of this was fake- pretending that she cared about him when she really just had a big hole in her heart. This was all her fault. "I asked if you wanted to bake something with me. You've been quiet these past few days."

Henry shook his head. "I don't want to do anything with an Evil Queen."

He realized his mistake immediately. Regina's smile fell and her eyes went wide. His parents had explained how pixie dust kept them safe, but he knew it might not be enough here. She looked dazed for a moment, but the look of the Evil Queen persisted.

"What did you say, Henry?"

Oh, he was in trouble now.