A/N: Hello again, here with chapter two. I don't own Once Upon a Time, simply playing in a world I love. I own nothing at all, just my plot. Anyway, hope you enjoy this next chapter. Happy Once Upon a Time Day!

Chapter Two

Henry rarely left the small section of their village which housed Master Rumple's shop, the cottage he and Master Baelfire shared as well as the cottage where they would venture to help Miss Belle and Master Rumple whenever they had a spare moment, which was quite frequently.

For some reason which Master Baelfire never divulged, there were times which the shop would be empty. Henry would be seated at his stool awaiting customers, and despite never posting a closed sign, no one would come. So, might he have stretched the truth a bit? Maybe. But it wasn't too difficult. All he had really done was place a few books in his satchel and fixed the ledger accordingly. When it came to the yarn and materials, well that is where it was a bit harder. He didn't have very many acquaintances in the village, save one. The daughter of a milner. She was the shop's only regular customer. He would implore her to buy double her usual charge if she was able, and in exchange he would offer her help in deliveries and offer her a book of her choice, paid for out of his own meager earnings.

It was this small lie, that suddenly felt much bigger, which kept his mind working as he walked. He pulled out the list that Baelfire had given him, studying it with intent. The sword and the crossbow were not the only items his master's friends had requested. There were also several less...dangerous items: a sleeping draught from the apothecary's, bread and cheese from the food stalls, and probably the most innocuous and strangest item on the list, a toy (simply the word toy, nothing specific). Did the friends have a child? Henry shrugged it off, but he couldn't help being confused by the fact that the same list that asked for weapons also asked for a toy. Just what kind of people were these friends of Master Baelfire?

"Pardon me young man," Henry felt himself jostled as he looked up from the list to see a man standing in front of him. The man was tall with a head of dark hair, and he was wearing leather gloves. The man placed a hand on the boy's shoulder as he rifled through a satchel, producing a sketch and handing it to him. "Have you seen this woman?"

"Sir…" Henry's gaze flitted as he tried to see around the man's bulk. "I...I'm sorry, I have an errand."

The man nodded. "Yes, of course, but it will only take a moment. She's wanted by the Queen herself."

Wanted? Henry's throat went dry as he dodged around the man. He couldn't get mixed up in this. "Sir, I can't...I'm sorry. I have to go."

"Wait," The man shoved the parchment in Henry's hand. It took all Henry could do not to lose his list. "If you see anything suspicious, come to the Tavern before dusk."

Henry nodded running away quickly, not stopping until he was inside the apothecary doors.

"Oi, lad! You alright?"

Henry leaned against the wall nodding, more to himself than to the woman who was speaking. He was okay, he was just fine. He pulled the parchment, and upon looking nearly dropped it.

"Bae," Belle opened the door with a smile. "Come in."

Baelfire removed his coat as he stepped into the cottage. "Afternoon Belle."

"We weren't expecting you to come so early. How are you?"

Baelfire pulled a nearby chair. "Excellent." Baelfire stared past to the rocking chair by the fire where his Papa sat pushing off in a rhythm. He turned round, seeming to feel Baelfire's gaze, but his smile was strained. The younger man could see it took a great effort.

Belle sighed. "It's getting worse. But he did ask after you and Henry this morning. He hasn't been sleeping."

Baelfire shook his head. "That seems to be common. I found the boy building a fire before sun-up. Has he eaten?"

"Barely a spoonful."

Baelfire stood up and grabbed a bowl and spoon from the shelf.

"Where is Henry?"

"I sent him on a delivery." Baelfire said. He walked over to the pot, and proceeded to scoop out a small portion of soup.

"You sent him out alone?" Belle's voice rose.

"He can't be expected to work the counter every day, especially- " He stopped himself, his gaze turning back to his father whose face appeared as if he'd been doused by the boiling broth. "He needs the fresh air."

"Baelfire," Belle sighed, but she said nothing more on the matter, choosing instead to turn her attention to the wash which she suddenly remembered had to be hung on the line outside.

"Bae," Rumpelstiltskin made an attempt to sit up, his gaze clearing slightly as the younger man sat in front of him on a nearby stool.

"Hi Papa."

"She's right you know."

Baelfire stirred the small portion of soup. "You have to eat."

"And you have to listen." Rumpelstiltskin reached for a handkerchief as a bout of coughing overtook him. "My apologies."

Baelfire's eyes narrowed. "Papa,"

"I'm fine with water." He gestured to a pitcher which was at the center of the table. "Please."

Baelfire rolled his eyes, but stood placing the untouched soup on the table as he grabbed the mug and filled it with water handing it to his father.

"Thank you Son."

"He really cannot work the counter every day." Baelfire said. "You know that."

Rumpelstiltskin nodded. "I do."

"So, why?"

"I told you when you first took the boy on that you weren't ready."

Baelfire couldn't help but laugh at this statement. "Me? Papa, we needed the help."

"Yes, but it is about more than that." Rumpelstiltskin took a sip of his water. "You know the threat that is out there... better than anyone."

Baelfire could see the briefest flash in his father's gaze, but he didn't ask. He never had, and now...well it was a bit late for it to matter at all. He ducked his head down, properly chastened. "Yes Sir."

"Your heart was in the right place." Rumple placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "The boy has spirit. I'm sure he'll be back before sundown."

A/N: Oh my, so Henry has quite a few secrets he is keeping from the others. Rumpelstiltskin seems to be having the same insomnia problems as Henry, and Baelfire is struggling as well. How'd I do? Are the relationships okay as I'm writing them so far? Please let me know. So any predictions? Who do you suppose was on that parchment and just who are these friends of Baelfire?