A/N: Alright, chapter five ready. This was a fun one to write, and this is also a long one. The last before the interlude. A lot happens.

Chapter Five: I'll See You In Dreams

He was falling. The Shadow had dropped him and he was falling. He saw the trees heading toward him at lightning speed. He had no control. He closed his eyes. He didn't want to see the crash, boom. It never came. He felt someone holding his hand. "Kid, hey kid!" A voice with a strong accent. "You can look you know. You're safe." As the voice spoke Henry felt himself land gently on his feet, and he finally opened his eyes.

He stood in the middle of a wooded area, a jungle, wild and boundless. It seemed to stretch for miles with all manner of plants, some Henry had never seen before. It was all color and light and darkness and strangeness. Most startling of all was the feeling of something alive. Even though he and the unknown boy seemed to be the only ones here, everything seemed as though it could feel. It was excitement, a thrill Henry had never felt in a place before.

"What… what is this place?" Henry felt as though he knew the answer, but he wanted to hear someone else say it. Just proof he wasn't dreaming.

"Why… Neverland of course!" The boy next to him gave a howling laugh. He floated upwards, flipping in midair as the laugh morphed into a crow, a brilliant sound of pure joy, of freedom. "And who might you be?"

"Henry." Henry watched the boy, trying, trying to place the boy's mannerisms, his face. There was something familiar, but it probably wasn't important. He was in Neverland.

"Good to meet you Henry." The boy grinned. "I'm Peter, Peter Pan! Welcome to the island!"

Henry barely had time to offer a handshake before Peter Pan was lifting him, higher, higher, until they were in flight, above the island. Flying, for the second time. Henry couldn't believe his luck! Somehow, flying with Peter Pan was different. He felt safer and he could enjoy the view. Everything on the island seemed like an ant colony. They could land and be in the middle of it, but it was still miles below. He saw the water, sparkling and dancing against the crags, a young mermaid girl splashing and frollicking as she waved, they passed the Indian village, a series of caves and then, then Henry looked over to Peter Pan himself. The boy's face was absolutely open, pure exhilaration. He felt his grip tighten, trying to get the boy's attention.

"Where are we going?" Henry had to shout to be heard.

"Ever seen a Neverbird Henry?"

All he could do was shake his head. "What's that?"

"It's brilliant, that's what it is!" He pointed down below. "Looks like the boys got one."

"What do you…?" Henry felt his stomach drop as Pan pulled him along, they were dropping, a huge great speed. He wasn't sure they'd even make the landing. And… he didn't.

He was rolling, bumping his knee, his back, and his head on the hard ground as Peter Pan simply brushed himself off and walked over. "Ow!"

"You'll get used to it." Pan held out a hand that Henry took, glaring.

"You dropped me!"

"I must've went too fast." Pan rubbed his chin, then shrugged. "Happens I guess."

"That was mean!"

"I said I was sorry."

"Nuh-uh!"

"Well, I said it now, so that counts."

Henry huffed. It didn't count. But as he looked around, the anger evaporated as he saw a giant creature with vines wrapped around its neck, being held by another boy who sat on the creature's back, holding the vines like reins.

SQUAA! The creature (Henry could see a beak clearly now) arched its neck forward revealing a bunch of multicolored feathers as it, aimed for Henry with its giant head. Henry jumped back bumping into another boy.

"Whoa, it almost took you out!" A pair of arms reached under Henry's lifting him up. The boy had a shock of amber hair that barely covered his face. "I'm Kas. Are you new?"

"Visiting." Henry said.

"Sure, sure." The boy nodded, sharing a look with Peter Pan that Henry couldn't distinguish as he read the terror on Henry's face. "You must be new. You've never seen a Neverbird. Haven't seen anyone that scared since Felix almost whizzled himself."

"Shut up Kas!" The boy riding the Neverbird glared.

"I...I wasn't scared." Henry whispered.

"S'all right." Kas clapped him on the back. "Fear's important ain't it?"

"Keeps you sharp." The boy, Felix, jumped off of the Neverbird's back still holding the reins and giving a hard tug. Henry could swear he heard the bird scream. "What's your name?"

"Henry."

"Good to meet you Henry." Felix's mouth twisted. "Hope to see you again sometime."

"What do you mean?" Henry looked between Pan and Felix.

"Your time's up. It's almost morning." Pan replied. "I'm sure your Mum wouldn't appreciate you being gone all night."

It was then he remembered. It hit him like a shot. He'd come here to find his Daddy, not to look at Neverbirds. "Wait, I have to… I have to find him!"

"Next time right?" Pan shrugged. "Come on." The boy grabbed his hand, and suddenly he was flying, Kas waving, Felix just watching. They grew smaller and smaller.

What seemed like only minutes later, he was on the the floor of his bedroom near the window, a blanket draped over him as his mom looked down at him.

"Henry…" Emma watched as her son ate the cereal, slowly, looking at it as if it were some foreign substance. "Hey kiddo, your marshmallows are getting soggy." Emma tapped Henry's foot with her own. "You okay?"

"Yup, I'm just not hungry." Henry pushed the bowl away, getting to his feet and moving from the table to pack his bag for school.

Emma watched her son retreating and sighed. He'd never not eaten his cereal before, and she had found him sleeping next to the window, which had been wide open. None of this added up. She reached for her cell phone and dialed.

"Mary Margaret? I know you're probably already at school, but I need a favor."

"Emma, what's wrong, are you okay?"

"Would you mind keeping an eye on Henry today? He's not telling me something." Emma said.

"Kids have secrets Em." Mary Margaret laughed. "But yeah, I'll see if I can get anything out of him."

"Thank you!"

"Sure," Mary Margaret sighed. "Are you okay Emma?"

"Yeah." Emma nodded even though Mary Margaret couldn't see her. "Yeah I'm fine."

"Emma…" Mary Margaret's voice took on the tone she had with some of her students. Emma could almost see the brunette's frown through the phone.

"I'll talk to you later." Emma spoke quickly hanging up before Mary Margaret could get another word in.

Neal walked up to the old building knocking twice, two sharp taps of his fist. He could feel the pouch growing hot in his pocket. He wanted to get rid of it, before something went wrong, or rather something else. He already had a laundry list of screwups, he didn't want it growing anymore.

"Well, well. You made it." A young woman answered the door, placing one hand on his cheek, the other on the door frame.. "I was beginning to think you forgot all about us Mr. Cassidy."

"Tamara." Neal nodded pushing her hand gently off of him. "Where's Huck?"

"He had to step out. But why don't you come in? I'm sure I can help."

Neal sighed. He was really hoping this would have just been a quick drop off, but maybe a bit of socializing wouldn't be so bad. He was tired, and he didn't know where else he could go at least until he knew the delivery was in safe hands. He didn't entirely trust Tamara, but she was a part of this too, so he had to play nice, plus, she wasn't nearly as intimidating as Huck. "Just for a bit."

"Of course." She smiled as he walked in and shut the door behind them. "So, you got it?"

Neal tapped his pocket. "I still don't get why we need this."

"Nobody knows." Tamara shrugged. "Remember? We just get our orders, we don't get to ask questions. Can I get you a coffee?"

He nodded absently. Neal found it strange, the whole no asking questions stipulation. Considering what they were responsible for taking, but then… he remembered what had almost happened to the last guy when he'd first gotten in, Greg something or other. And as Tamara walked to the kitchen, focused on the coffee machine, Neal pulled out his cell phone. He scrolled through the contacts absently until he found the name he was looking for.

It's Neal...Cassidy. I'm not sure if you still have this number, you still got that place in Manhattan?

"Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing?" Neal couldn't back up fast enough. The kid had seemed non threatening, an easy target. He looked like one of those pharmacy students that hung around Storybrooke Medical: collared shirt, gawky stance and shoes without a scuff mark, rich kid. Now that he actually saw the kid's face, he knew he'd made a mistake. It was closed off, raised eyebrows, pursed lips and his eyes, his eyes didn't hold any surprise, rather he looked angry, amused? He couldn't tell and that was frightening. The kid had at least three years on him, and more than a few inches. Why did he think he could pickpocket a rich high school senior?

He didn't answer, just tried to make himself look as tall as possible, backing away, holding his hands out, showing he meant no ill. He'd only been away from home for two days, and he would already be getting in a fight. He was almost positive, his fear showed on his face. A fact made all the more obvious by the kid's reaction. His expression softened as his hand reached out, snatching Neal gently by the collar, and bringing him closer.

"Kid, you okay?"

Neal narrowed his eyes as he fought the other boy's grasp. "I'm fine!"

"You don't look so good." The kid raised his eyebrows. "Have you had anything to eat?"

On cue, Neal's stomach emitted a low gurgling growl.

"I take that as a no." The boy laughed wrapping an arm around Neal's shoulder companionably. "Come on, I know a place, and you won't have to steal for your meal."

Neal let himself be dragged along. He knew he wouldn't be able to escape the kid's hold on him. He wasn't strong enough, even if he had had a proper meal, and the way he was holding him didn't provide good leverage for a hit to the ankle. Plus the temptation of food… he could already feel his mouth watering.

"So, you got a name?" the kid asked. "Mine's August, August Gionni." Now that Neal was listening, he could hear the slight lift that signalled Italian. One thing his Papa had taught him was to recognize other languages, even if he didn't get to actually go on travels with him. "And before you ask, yeah Gionni as in the toymaker's. Now you gotta tell me yours."

Neal nodded even though he didn't actually know anything about any toymaker named Gionni. His Papa bought him a lot of gifts from his travels, but he hadn't paid attention to labels or brand names. "Neal…" He blinked. August had given his last name. Neal couldn't. If he did, they'd have him back to Storybrooke on the next bus. His Papa had probably already considered him missing, filed a report or something. He didn't want to be found. "Cassidy." It came out without him thinking, then he recognized why. The record store had been playing those old songs. He figured, the guy wouldn't mind if he borrowed his name. He nodded. "Neal Cassidy."

"Nice to make your acquaintance Neal Cassidy." August stopped, holding out a hand. "Here we are, Antonio's. Best cuisine this side of the city."

Neal looked up at the building. It looked fancy, awnings and everything. "How do we pay for it?"

"Don't worry about it." August said. "I know a guy."

Neal looked down as his phone dinged. Hey Neal! Long time. Yeah. You can come stay. Last roommate bailed anyway. Call when your flight gets in.

Neal sighed in relief. Thanks man. I owe you one.

More like twenty. No worries!

The clipped manner of the texts probably should have worried him, but Neal had been expecting that. He just hoped he could fix one relationship. He'd consider that a victory.

It was recess time and Henry hadn't moved from his desk. His head was down on top of his elbows and if Mary Margaret didn't know any better, she'd think he was sleeping. She walked over to him.

"Henry… hey, you alright?" She shook him by the shoulder gently as the boy looked up.

"I'm fine Miss Blanchard." Henry sat up.

"Don't you want to play outside?"

"No." Henry shook his head. "I think I'll stay in here."

Mary Margaret frowned as an idea occurred to her. "Hey, as long as you're staying, do you want to help me with something?"

The boy perked up. "What is it?"

"Why don't you come on over and see?" Mary Margaret walked over to her desk as she searched out the book she was looking for. It was leather bound, looked as though it should have been falling apart. It had been a gift from Regina when Mary Margaret had first gotten the teaching job, back when Regina had been vice principal. "You seem the fairy and sparkle type. Maybe this can help teach them about happy endings and magic and all that stuff you seem to like so much. They need that." Henry seemed to need it more than ever.

"A book?" Henry, Mary Margaret noticed, had appeared beside her. "For storytime?"

"Yeah, but I don't know which story to tell." Mary Margaret opened the book, revealing the title: Once Upon a Time. "Any ideas? You are the story expert."

Henry frowned deep in thought. Mary Margaret could see he was retreating into himself. "I dunno Miss Blanchard."

"Come on!" Mary Margaret grabbed his hand. "What's your absolute favorite?"

Henry gave a small grin. "Peter Pan."

"Peter Pan it is."

"Guess what?" Henry found Nicholas in the toy corner playing with a truck. Mary Margaret had just finished reading the story, and Henry was bursting to tell someone about his adventure.

"Why weren't you on the playground today?" Nicholas asked.

"I had to help Miss Blanchard, but guess what?"

"What?" Nicholas continued wheeling the truck, making it crash into Henry's foot.

"Last night… I went to Neverland."

"You mean like Wendy, John and Michael in the story?" Nicholas glanced up with wide eyes. "In your sleeptime?"

Henry shook his head. "No! I wasn't asleep. I said the words and a shadow came and scooped me up."

"You're bonkers!" Nicholas laughed. "Peter Pan didn't come hisself?"

Henry nodded then shook his head. "Well he did, but that was after, when I had to leave."

"You're fibbing. Neverland's in the book, and on the TV, everyone knows that you can't go there except when you're sleepin'. It's the rules." Nicholas said this with a serious expression. "Mikey said he saw you sleeping before recess. You prob'ly dreamed it."

"I didn't!" Henry shouted, angry tears threatening to burst.

"Alright, get your coats everyone!" Mary Margaret interrupted with a shout. "Time to get in line."

"If you say so." Nicholas gave him a sideways look as he ran to the cubbies.

Henry could see Mary Margaret's eyes on him as he wiped his face.

"Henry!"

He didn't respond as he grabbed his coat and ran outside toward the playground. He didn't stop until he reached the top of the castle. He let himself cry, finally, letting out all of the frustration: his daddy leaving, his mommy being sad all the time, the trip to Neverland, not finding his daddy while he was there, getting beat up by Jacky, Nicholas not believing him. It all came out in one long flood of tears.

"Henry… you alright there Friend?" Henry squinted as he heard the voice. It was Peter. He was climbing up the playground, looking at him with worry.

Henry shook his head.

"What's bugging you?" Peter sat next to him, his much longer legs dangling. Henry thought he could jump off and land like a cat if he wanted to.

And then it all came out. Henry wasn't sure why, but he wanted to tell Peter everything. In a way that he never did with Nicholas. "...And I didn't find him. Then I told Nick after Miss Blanchard's story. He didn't believe me. He thought it was bonkers."

"That's not very nice." Peter frowned. "Did you have fun there? Neverland?"

Henry sniffled. "You believe me?"

Peter nodded grinning. "Oh yeah, course. You're really lucky! Wish I could've went."

"Everyone says you're too old after you're five." Henry shifted. "It's just a story."

"They're the bonkers ones. Remember that." Peter bumped him in the shoulder. "It's no fun if it's just a story!"

Henry looked up in astonishment. Peter was one of the big kids, and he believed about Neverland! "Really?"

"Stories are a lot more than that, if you let them be." Peter tapped Henry on the shoulder, jumping down from the castle, landing perfectly on his feet. Like a cat. "You coming?"

Henry nodded, jumping down after him, still in shock. Peter sure was interesting, and he was letting him tag along!

A/N: Alrighty, so things are in motion... haha! Thoughts, theories, suggestions questions. Drop em in a review. In terms of the interlude, we'll get a little bit of everyone's thoughts, and a bit of an inside look on what has happened in the years since, before we are back into the thick of it with chapter six.