A longer update again as I am unsure as to when I will get a chance to do another for you all.

A tiny wee bit of Devin then more Birthday goodness.

As always please review

Enjoy

:)

Devin lounged on the bench and watched as the sheriff and Henry accompanied Hook's Son through the park. He sat chewing on his stolen breakfast, this whole invisibility thing certainly had it's advantages. It had allowed him to swipe his food from the bakery after he had slept a quite comfortable night at the Charming's loft knowing that they were unlikely to return anytime soon. He had gotten in the same way as he had the last time which surprised him, he had thought that they would have fixed that broken window by now but they hadn't which suited him just fine, it meant that he had a safe place to stay until further notice. He wiped his hands down the front of his pants as he finished eating and got to his feet to follow behind the strange "family" simply because he had little else to do.

"Look Grandpa I can do it" the boy yelled out as he wobbled madly on the strange two wheeled contraption that he seemed to be trying to master.

"You're doing really well Kid, just be careful though don't go too fast. You don't want to fall off and hurt yourself. That would be sore for you and your Papa and he has enough bumps to be dealing with already" the sheriff called after him

The boy put his feet down and came to a stop grinning madly "I won't fall, Papa is safe, do not worry"

They all seemed to find this funny!

What were they talking about?

Why would this boy falling hurt the Pirate?

Devin was now intrigued so he walked quicker to catch up dodging out of the way as Henry suddenly turned quickly on his contraption and wheeled passed him.

Devin followed them all the way to the other end of the park where they stopped and sat on the bench by the lake to throw bread to the ducks. He rolled his eyes... their lives were so boring. Hell his life was more exciting than this and he was in hiding from the whole town.

The ducks were fed and the sheriff and Henry sat back on the bench as the younger boy once again took up his two wheeled thing and climbed back on then started off around the lake.

"Watch me... I am going to go all the way around" he yelled

"We're watching" the sheriff yelled then turned to Henry and chuckled "I think he likes his bike"

"I think you might be right" Henry agreed with a laugh leaning back but then he suddenly sounded serious "Do you think we'll find a way to break the link?"

Link? Devin stood right at the back of them and listened intently, what were they talking about? What link?

"I hope so Henry. This is really tough on both of them you know. Imagine what it must be like to feel what another person is feeling all the time, I mean it must be really good at times like this when he's having fun but imagine how it must feel when he's thinking about Liam or if Hook's having a nightmare or worse one of his panic attacks. They each feel that and that must be hard"

"I know" Henry sighed "I was reading some of the books that Doctor Whale brought over and from what I can see they say that the only way to break it is to reunite the two gems THEN destroy the Jewel once it's formed but if we do that how do we know that Junior won't disappear?"

"That is why before we do anything we do some more research." the Sheriff said turning to Henry "Don't worry, Belle has a good plan."

"Yeah?" Henry replied looking happy

"Yeah. She's gonna get hold of Gold's dagger. Once she has that we will be able to MAKE him tell us everything and if there is another way to break this link we will find it so don't you worry about it. Today is about Junior not anything else." he suddenly stood up and looked at his watch "Right, it's nearly one o'clock. Are we going to get this party started?"

Henry nodded jumping up and grabbing his "bike" jumping on "You betcha. I cannot wait to see Junior's face when he sees that bounce house"

Devin dropped down onto the bench that they had just stood up from and narrowed his eyes watching them as they moved off... he had a lot to think about.

The Pirate and the boy were linked from something that the gem had done but apparently there were two gems not one... well that was something new to mull over.

He lent back and let a smile spread over his face as he thought about what the sheriff had said about this "Belle's" plan. He had thought that his chances of getting home were gone, there was no way that the Crocodile was going to give him the bean after he had lost the gem but now he could see that there was a way to get what he wanted and so much more.

He looked back towards the disappearing figures and realized that they were going to be busy all day with this party they talked of... now seemed like a good time to see just how well his invisibility worked against the Dark One.

If he was going to make this plan work he needed to be able to get to that dagger first, then he could do as he pleased and nobody would be able to stop him.

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Killian sat at the table just staring in awe at the huge amount of food that was being carried in by what seemed like everyone in town.

"How you doing?" Ruby suddenly asked dropping down in the seat opposite him with a sigh as she wiped a hand across her brow.

"Good" he replied with a smile "You? How is your arm?"

"Good as new" she grinned moving her wrist about as if to prove it before frowning and looking around "Where are the kids?"

"David took them to the park so that this would be a surprise and that is why you find me sitting here. They are due back any minute and I know from previous experience that when the lad is excited I take the brunt of his emotion" he smirked

"Really? How?" she asked with a frown

"It is hard to explain Lass but he can literally take my breath away with his feelings and in my current state let's just say it is easier to sit than be picked up off the floor" he chuckled

Emma walked over and slid her hand across his shoulders leaning into his side "They're nearly here, Dad just called. You want to stay there or do you want to sit on the couch?"

"Here is fine Love, I will be able to see his face as he comes in the door"

"I just hope he doesn't see that bounce house before he gets inside" Emma said dropping down onto another chair "Dad turned the power off so that it is flat but it's still bright red and pretty visible I'm surprised he hasn't seen it already"

"It will be fine Love" Killian soothed "Stop worrying. Your Father will see to it that it remains unseen of that I am sure"

"Yeah Emma, I didn't even see it and my favorite color is red" Ruby laughed.

Just then they heard Junior's giggles and there was a mad scramble as everyone rushed to stand behind the table.

"May I swim in the pool now Grandpa?" Junior's little voice travelled through the air

"I think that can be arranged" David replied "Why don't you two run inside and get your swim shorts on"

Literally two seconds later Junior burst through the door and for the second time in one day Killian found himself grasping at his chest as everyone yelled

"SURPRISE"

Junior actually took a few steps backwards with a look of horror on his face until his brain obviously registered that there was nothing to be frightened of then he was grinning.

"I got a fright" he huffed out dropping his hands to his knees for a second before straightening up and looking around.

Emma lent into Killian's side "You OK now?"

He puffed out a couple of breaths before nodding "Aye Love but I am glad that I was sitting for that. He really did get a fright"

Emma laughed then got up and walked towards the boy "Come on kid. We have enough food here to feed the whole town so let's find out what you like and we'll get some for Papa too"

Killian watched as Rapha and Henry ran over too and Rapha shoved a present towards Junior "Happy Birthday Junior, I hope you like it"

"Thank you" Junior beamed taking the gift and looking to Swan

"Open it then Kid, it's yours" Swan said crouching down next to him

That was all the encouragement he needed as he ripped he paper back to reveal a leather bound book and a set of drawing pencils.

"Henry said that you like to draw" Rapha said looking nervous

"I love it. Thank you Rapha" Junior beamed and rushed forward to hug the boy who looked a little shocked at first but soon just hugged the lad back.

Ruby laughing by his side drew Killian's attention back to the table "He's like a little whirlwind"

Killian chuckled "He's just a little overwhelmed. This is so different to the life he has known until now"

"I'll bet" Ruby replied looking back over to the kitchen where Emma now had Junior on her hip letting him choose what food he wanted "He's doing well though."

"Aye Lass, he is doing just fine" and he meant it, the boy's happy laugh suddenly burst out of him causing Killian to grin "And he's helping me too."

"Good" Ruby said turning back to look at him "You deserve a break. Any news on... you know who?"

Killian shook his head and lent forward "Not since they captured the other lost ones... he is running scared Ruby and for that I cannot be sorry"

"Well he certainly hasn't been back to the diner, I've been making sure of it"

"Thank you Love" he said sincerely but just then Junior was rushing over carrying two plates.

"Papa I got you some food too"

"Thank you Son" Killian said taking the offered plate and putting it on the table before reaching back down to take Junior's and sliding it onto the table too. He had expected Junior to pull himself up onto the seat next to him but instead he held up his arms to be lifted. Killian grit his teeth as he leant forward and the boy wrapped his arms around his neck but they were sitting tucking into their food in no time although Killian could feel the boy's unease.

Junior ate but his eyes never stayed still as he looked around the room at all the people and suddenly Killian understood. The lad was simply overwhelmed by the amount of people in the room and Killian was remembering the panicked feeling he used to get as as child when they visited busy ports. Over the years he had learned to deal with it but Junior still felt uneasy, this was maybe not such a good idea after all... how could he have forgotten?

Swan sat next to them and handed Ruby a plate before running her hand down Killian's arm "You two alright?"

"I think that there may be just a few too many people but we are fine, right lad?"

Junior smiled but lent back into Killian's arms and watch with unease as the dwarves all walked past with plates of their own and headed for the couch.

"There is no need to be frightened Lad. All these people are our friends. You know that there is a spell on the house so no bad people can get in so these people must be good, aye?"

Junior seemed to think it over for a second then sat himself up a bit and smiled "Aye"

He went back to his plate of food and picked up something just shoving it into his mouth but even before he had chewed it properly he was coughing and bringing his hand up to his mouth. He swallowed thickly then gasped out.

"I did not like that, what was it?"

"Show me" Ruby said leaning across the table as he pointed at his plate and she laughed hard "Yeah, that would be a pickle. They take a bit of getting used to. Try this instead, it's much nicer"

He readily took up the thing that she had pointed at and shoved it into his mouth chewing it quickly and swallowing it down "Mmmmm... I like that one"

"That's pineapple kid and yes, it is delicious" Ruby grinned

He looked at her with a raised brow "Is there anything else on here that I will not like?"

Ruby shrugged "Only you can answer that one" she reached over and picked up his other pickle and popped it in her mouth "I love pickles"

"Yuck" he said sticking out his tongue then turned to Killian "They are nasty, right Papa?"

Killian quirked an eyebrow of his own and shrugged "I have never tried one but I will take your word for it"

A few minutes later Henry and Rapha came over to the table too with plates loaded with food and started digging in and that's when Killian really felt the Lad relax, he obviously felt more at ease with his brother near by... Henry really was becoming his Liam.

They sat for the next fifteen minutes or so as the boys discussed each piece of food, there were a few more that Junior did not like but mostly he seemed to enjoy it eventually sitting back with a contented sigh.

"You had enough kid?" Swan asked

"Aye" he replied "May I have some water please?"

"You can have strawberry milk if you want" she said giving him a grin

"Truly?" he suddenly sat forward with a huge grin "This is the best day ever. Papa, do you want strawberry milk too?"

Killian really didn't, he wasn't keen on the overly sweet stuff but he found himself nodding "Aye Lad, sounds like a good idea to me"

Swan gave him a little wink and he knew that she would put the minimal amount of the flavoring into his, she knew him well enough to know his dislike of this stuff.

"May I help Momma?" Junior asked looking up in hope

"Sure, grab Papa's plate then"

He was off like a shot pulling his plate and Killian's plate from the table and heading over to the kitchen again following behind Swan.

"He's sweet" Ruby said with a grin as she looked Killian up and down then laughed "What happened?"

"Sweet grew up and life happened." he sighed as he looked back at the kitchen "but that is something that he won't need to worry about. We intend to keep him from harm so who knows, sweet might just stay"

"Hey, I was only kidding you know" Ruby frowned "You are sweet, I see how you are with your family. That is sweet"

"I am a Pirate Love. Pirate's are not sweet"

Henry suddenly spoke up through a mouthful of food "Pirate's are cool Ruby. There's a difference"

"Right" she rolled her eyes "Cool. Of course just like Fonzie. I suppose you do wear leather."

"Who the bloody hell is Fonzie?" Killian burst out looking to Henry but he just shrugged and went back to eating.

Before Killian could ask any more questions he saw David come through the door and nod his head at him.

"Henry keep your Brother occupied for a few minutes and feel free to drink my milk that stuff is truly disgusting, I need to go outside and sit down before the bounce house is revealed"

"No problem" He grinned back "I'll just tell him you'll be back in a minute and we'll get you another milk when you come back... minus the strawberry flavor"

"Thank you Son" Killian replied struggling to his feet.

Ruby passed him his crutch and he thanked her with a smile before setting off across the room to meet up with David by the doors.

"Come on Pirate, I've put one of the loungers down on the grass for you"

"Thanks Mate" Killian said hobbling his way over to the steps where David took hold of his left arm to help him.

He was sitting on the lounger in less than a minute and pulling in a few steadying breaths before he leaned back with a sigh. He was getting tired already but didn't want to miss this, the boy was going to be so excited he found himself grinning in anticipation.

"You good?" David asked and when Killian nodded the Prince took off back up towards the house leaving him where he was. He watched as he disappeared through the door and after what felt like an eternity he came back out with Junior held in his arms. Killian could clearly see the blindfold tied around the boy's eyes but he could also feel his panic. He tried to send positive vibes to the boy to reassure him and it seemed to work when he suddenly saw Junior give a little laugh as David made his way across the grass towards him.

"What is that noise?" The Lad asked bringing his hands up to cover his ears

But no one answered and when he was lowered down to his feet a few seconds later Killian got another jolt of fear but the boy seemed determined to fight it as he stood with a grin still on his face.

"May I look now? What is it?" he cried out

"This is just for today, it's a special Birthday treat OK?" David said loudly making sure that the Lad understood that it wasn't here to stay

David came down into a crouch next to the boy with a wince but he too was smiling and when he finally pulled the blindfold off the Lad blinked a few times obviously trying to figure out what he was seeing but when Henry and Rapha kicked off their shoes and climbed up he suddenly seemed to get the idea and practically jumped on the spot sending that jolt that Killian had been waiting for straight through him again.

"I can bounce" he cried out rushing forward before practically throwing himself onto his rear and pulling off his shoes.

He was in the thing in a second and was bouncing with all his might grinning like an idiot and Killian found his hand making it's way up to his front again, he felt like his heart was going to burst through his chest at the boy's happiness and it only grew when Junior shouted.

"Look Papa, I can bounce"

Killian just raised his hand and gave the boy a quick wave as he turned and bounced his way towards the back of the thing to stop next to Henry.

"You OK?" David asked in concern "You look a bit shell shocked!"

"Aye I am fine" he chuckled "But let's just say I was glad I was sitting."

Emma was soon settled on the lounger with him, it was a bit of a tight squeeze but neither of them minded as they watched the boys playing happily. Before Killian knew what was going on most of his family had carried various seats and loungers down onto the grass area and were sitting around him. He smiled as Regina settled down with a sigh.

"Why did we not have these back in the Enchanted Forest?" she complained pointing at the house

"Regina we didn't even have electricity never mind one of these" Mary-Margaret laughed "But I will admit that I would have liked this as a child, it looks like fun"

"Why not join in?" Killian suddenly said tipping his head at the house

"Oh no... we couldn't possibly" Regina replied

"No, of course not... I mean... we shouldn't... should we?" Mary-Margaret stammered

"Why not?" Swan said sitting up "Dad already bounced on it, why shouldn't we? Plus I think Neal would love to join in"

With that Emma was pulling herself up and taking the little Prince from her Mother's arms "Come on you two, let's show these kids how to really bounce"

They didn't seem to need too much more encouragement as both Regina and Mary-Margaret scrambled from their seats and kicked off their shoes much to the entertainment of the boys. Junior squealed in delight rushing forward and taking hold of Regina's hand to help her climb inside.

Killian was back to clutching his chest again without even realizing until David made note "You know every time you do that you scare the life out of me?"

Killian looked confused for a second until he realized what the Prince was talking about "Sorry but you should try having two hearts beating in your chest, it is strange beyond words"

"Hell, I don't even have one whole one" David laughed back

Killian tipped his head and frowned "Do you feel her? Mary-Margaret I mean"

"Doesn't work like that" David replied shaking his head "I used to wish I could but after watching you lately I'm kind of glad I don't"

"I know what you mean Mate and yet I feel that I will miss it IF we figure out how to break this blasted link... I have grown accustomed to feeling him inside me... it is a comfort to know that he is safe"

"I'll bet" David sighed out looking back to the bounce house then chuckled "Maybe we can figure out a way to water it down and duplicate it. We'd be rich beyond belief. I don't know a single parent in town that wouldn't want a piece of what you've got going on. They would be able to feel that their child was alright"

"Aye but that also goes the other way" Killian added sitting himself up "When I was in that bath tub back in the hospital I could feel his panic, I could literally feel the life leaving him as it left me. I would not wish that on another living soul David. Yes there are plus sides but they are far outweighed by the downsides. He feels me too remember, he picks up on my mood and even worse my state of being... I don't want that for him"

"I know" David replied with a sigh "None of us do"

And the conversation was done.

They sat in silence just watching the others bouncing around madly and Killian found himself grasping at his chest several more times as Junior whooped and yelled with joy. The laughter was contagious and everyone that sat around was laughing too but all too soon it came to an abrupt end when Junior gave a particularly hard bounce too close to the entrance and tumbled out to land with a hard thump onto the ground.

The wind whooshed out of Killian's lungs and he found himself sitting upright without intending too just trying to get his chest to work. He didn't know what was happening but he couldn't breathe and his chest felt like it was on fire. David was suddenly by his side holding his arm and talking to him but he couldn't see, he had his eyes clamped shut against the excruciating pain screaming through his damaged ribs.

"Just hang on Hook, Emma's got him" he heard David say and within seconds his chest hitched and the air flooded back in as he heard Junior coughing madly.

Killian slumped to the side but David had hold of him and didn't let him fall, he was lain back down onto the lounger which was suddenly lowered and his feet were raised back up from the ground. Tears were now leaking from his own eyes as he gasped for breath and clutched his ribs trying in vain to bring his breathing back under control.

"He was just winded Hook, he'll be fine in a minute just hang on OK?"

Then he heard it, Junior started crying in earnest and suddenly Killian's chest eased and he was able to draw in breath again but he was exhausted now as he lay gasping on the lounger. The crying only lasted a few minutes and he could hear Swan soothing the lad as he himself took comfort from her through the boy and finally Killian managed to open his eyes to see everyone looking really worried.

"I am fine" he breathed out then gave a quick smile

"Not buying it Pirate" David said eyeing him suspiciously "You get five minutes to recover then you are taking a nap in the back bedroom... you looked like crap before now you look like death warmed up"

Killian would have argued but a nap sounded good right now, he nodded his head and looked towards Swan who still held a quite pale looking Junior in her arms.

The boy gave a sniff and mumbled "I am sorry Papa... I hurt you"

Killian had to move, he had to make the lad feel better so he pulled himself up "David can you adjust this thing?"

David fixed the lounger so he was once again sitting more upright and he held his arms out to Swan "Come here Son. I am fine, you are fine. It was an accident do not fret"

"I did not mean to fall" he whimpered as Swan handed him over

"You two never mean to fall" Swan laughed "Captain Clumsy and Clumsy Junior"

Junior gave a little giggle at that and snuggled into Killian's side as he lent back "I was having too much fun and did not look where I was bouncing"

"I don't think there is such a thing as too much fun" Killian said pulling him in a bit "You just need to be more careful alright. Now are you going to be beaten by a bounce house or are you going to get right back up there and bounce some more?"

Junior looked up at him and grinned "May I?"

"Of course... one little fall should not end your fun"

"Thank you Papa" he yelled pulling himself up carefully "You are truly alright?"

"I am fine Son. Nothing that some sleep will not fix."

"After your sleep can we go in the bubbly bath together?"

"You can count on it" Killian chuckled knowing that he meant the hot tub... that sounded good right about now but he knew that David was right, he needed to sleep first.

Junior gave him one last smile then took off and was soon bouncing again although Killian did notice him eyeing the edge with some caution, the lad would be fine.

"You want to head inside now?" David asked

"I'll take him Dad, can you watch clumsy Junior? I need to go organize the party games"

David just laughed "Sure"

"I'll help you Emma" Mary-Margaret suddenly said handing the young Prince to Regina "Here, go bounce some more, Neal seemed to like it"

David and Emma helped him to his feet then Emma took his left arm again and they slowly made their way across the grass and back up the stone steps.

"I wish I wasn't so bloody tired all the time" he mumbled as she helped him to lie down on the bed in the back bedroom "I don't want to miss anything"

"I know" she soothed "But he'll have plenty more Birthdays to celebrate"

"I hope so love" he sighed

"Hey... what do you mean by that? Of course he will. He is NOT going anywhere you hear me?"

"Aye Love I hear you... we will find another way"

"Good." she smiled bringing her fingers up to his forehead and stroking his hair away with a chuckle "God your hair is a mess"

He rolled his eyes dramatically "How to make a Pirate feel special Love"

She beamed at him "Only two more days and then those stitches will be out and we can get this mop washed and cut. I'm going to get Junior's cut too, I meant to do it before now, he's starting to look like a girl with those flowing locks and bright blue eyes"

"That is how boys wore their hair when I was a Lad. In fact even as a young man I had a ponytail" he grinned back "Just because this realm does it differently does not make it wrong"

"Now that I would pay money to see, you had a ponytail?!" she laughed "I'm still getting his cut it's too hot to have that hanging in his face all the time"

Killian just shrugged "As you wish"

She shook her head and rolled her eyes "As you wish to you too" She lent over and kissed him sweetly on the lips "Go to sleep Captain Clumsy. I'll wake you in an hour, that way you won't miss too much"

"Thank you love" he replied giving her hand a squeeze before she stood "And make sure that they do not do the cake without me. I want to see him make his wish"

"Wouldn't dream of it" she smiled back then headed towards the door

He let his eyes close as she walked from the room and gave a smirk at the little jolts of happiness that kept hitting him... Junior was having the time of his life.

With that thought in mind he let sleep take him knowing that there was still much more to come.