#would have to bug yaz for weeks about it to find out how many birthdays it actually were

[rearranging-deck-chairs]

<3

[mystical-flute]

Home is Wherever I’m With You (Ch. 1)

Ao3 || Ko-Fi

Neal refuses to leave Emma, escaping into Canada with her to start their lives over. They know as long as they're together, everything will be fine... even if that means running into the past they both tried so hard to escape. (Swanfire primary, minor Snowing/Rumbelle/other ships later)

“You need to leave her. It’s for her own good.”

Neal balked. Yes, somehow, this dude knew about magic, knew his name, and somehow knew that Emma’s destiny was to break a curse in… wherever the curse had dropped the residents of the Enchanted Forest. But Neal for the life of him couldn’t believe that August was asking him to do the one thing he feared the most.

“No,” he finally said. “I won’t do it. I won’t leave her.”

“But I know your story, Baelfire. I know about your relationship with your father. Surely you don’t want to see him again?”

He almost flinched back at the use of his real name, but he remained steady, staring intently at the other. “I love Emma. I would never leave her behind.”

August glared. “And what about the innocent people that are cursed?”

“I’ll get Emma there. I’ll get her where she needs to go.”

“Why should I believe you?”

“Because I can’t do a worse job than you have of making sure she’s safe. Where the hell have you been the last eighteen years when she was in and out of foster homes and living on the streets? We got a plan in action. We’re going to settle down and live the straight life. And on her birthday… we’ll be there to break the curse.”

“What about your father? I thought you hated him? How can I trust that you’ll really do that knowing your relationship with him?”

Neal bristled, anger growing. “Don’t you dare bring my father into this. My relationship with my father is moot when other people are at risk. I don’t care about my father, but if there are other people in danger… I can’t let them suffer.”

August seemed taken aback by that, and his eyes narrowed just slightly. “There’s seriously no convincing you?”

“No. Not at all. I will protect Emma and lead her to her destiny.”

The thought of it made his stomach twist in a knot, but he knew it was the best thing to do. He couldn’t be a coward, not like his father. He needed to make personal sacrifices to make sure people he cared about were happy.

Wendy. John. Michael. Mr. and Mrs. Darling…

He’d saved them, but at the same time, he lost them too.

He wouldn’t let it happen again.

“Look, I’ll even send you a postcard when we get to Vancouver. I’ll keep in contact with you if it means I can stay with her,” Neal implored. “I don’t want to hurt her like so many other people have.”

August shifted, clearly not having expected push back, but he finally sighed and nodded. “Alright, fine. Just make sure she gets to Storybrooke by her 28th birthday. And keep her safe. You have to promise me that you’ll send me a word when you get there.”

Neal wanted to snap back at him, but he realized how lucky he was getting, and nodded slowly instead, choosing to be polite as he took the business card August had given him. “I will, I promise. Thank you, August.”

“You better hurry back to your car. Emma’ll be back soon,” August said, hopping onto his motorcycle.

Neal rushed back to the bug, turning it on moments before Emma came running around the corner, watches in a bag at her side, and a wide smile of delight.

That damned smile would kill him one day, he was sure.

“I did it!” she cheered, breathless as she dropped into the passenger’s seat, triumphant. “Canada here we come!”

Neal laughed, leaning to kiss her deeply. “You’re brilliant, Emma. I - I still can’t believe you’d risk so much for a criminal like me.”

“C’mon, are you still worried about that? I love you, Neal. You’re the only one that’s really been there for me and hasn’t betrayed me…”

There was something haunted in her eyes, and while Neal had the urge to ask, he knew better not to. And, it was that look that sealed his decision to not leave her.

He wasn’t a coward. Not like his father. He’d keep his promise to Emma, and now, to August. He’d keep Emma safe… and bring her to Storybrooke in ten years.

Taking a deep breath, Neal put the car into drive and sped away from the train station, heading straight for the border.

“How long’s the trip?” Emma asked, relaxing against the sea. “I’ve never been to Canada before.”

“Map says only a couple hours. I picked up a couple late night snacks while you were gone for the ride up,” Neal replied.

“You didn’t have to - ”

“We needed food, Em. We can’t get to Canada on an empty stomach,” Neal laughed. “Besides, we don’t know what kinds of snack foods they have in Canada. This could be the last time you eat a bear claw until we can get to Tallahassee!”

Emma’s eyes widened. “Don’t you dare say that. I can’t live in a country without bear claws!”

He grinned. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m sure Canada has doughnut places that sell bear claws.”

“What’s the plan?” Emma asked. “Luckily, I have a passport, but, if you’re wanted here, there’s no way they’ll let you into Canada.”

Neal paused as the city skyline became more distant in the rear view mirror. “I got a passport too. We’ll just have to have faith that we’ll both be let through.”

“I don’t know how to do that…” Emma said softly, flicking the radio on, classic rock bursting from the speakers. “But I’ll try, for you.”

Neal reached to take Emma’s hand with his, using the other to steer. “Hey - look at me. It’s going to be okay. I promise you. Nothing bad is going to happen to us again. We’re gonna go, fence the watches, and we’re gonna start our lives over. No more stealing from gas stations and sleeping in this uncomfortable as shit car. I’m going to get you a cute little apartment in Tallahassee. We’re gonna fly straight from now on. I promise.”

Emma’s hand squeezed his tightly. “I don’t normally pray, but I think this might just make me start.”

Neal smiled. “Whatever will make you feel better.”

All of this was for her. Dropping the Bonnie and Clyde act, going straight, getting her to some town called Storybrooke where he was destined to reunite with his father after three-hundred years.

He just hoped she wouldn’t want something different in the ensuing years.

The drive was quiet, minus the radio, which began to crackle the further they got from Seattle and its radio towers.

“Do you want me to see if I can pick up a Canadian station?” Emma suggested.

“Yeah - if you want.”

Emma hummed softly, fiddling with the radio, before the music flickered back on. Only You, by Yaz.

Neal unconsciously gripped the steering wheel tighter as the words rang in his ears.

“You okay?” Emma asked quietly.

“Huh? Oh… yeah, I’m alright. This song just reminds me of someone.”

“Lost love?”

Neal kept his eyes focused on the road as the signs for the border crossing came into view. “Not exactly.”

“Your dad?”

“ … Sort of. He was as close as I had to a dad for a while.”

“It reminds me of someone too. Someone I thought was my friend.”

He noted Emma’s cheeks had turned a dusty pink, but didn’t say anything. “Sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah. Me too,” she sighed, looking out the window. “The watches are hidden. I made sure to hide the bag in my purse. Hopefully since it’s so dark they won’t search all that much.”

Neal nodded as they got in line. “Just act cool. Like we know what we’re doing.”

“Right.”

As the line creeped along, Neal’s fingers tapped anxiously against the steering wheel. Just a bit longer, and they were free. All they had to do was - 

“Evening!” the patrol officer’s voice boomed suddenly. Neal scrambled to roll down the window. “It's a bit late to be coming across!”

Neal laughed a little as he handed him their passports. “Yeah… we had a bit of car trouble that set us back a couple hours. We wanted to get here in time for a late dinner… but instead we had to settle for gas station snacks.”

“Ah, you don’t need to worry about that there’s a 24-hour diner about ten minutes from here, and a hotel as well. How long do you guys plan to be in Canada?”

“Oh - only about a week or two. One last hurrah before we start school, y’know?”

“Oh sure, sure. We’ve gotten a lot of you guys comin’ through,” the guard said, stamping both passports with a smile. “Well, Miss Swan, Mr. Cassidy, you enjoy your time here.”

“Thanks. Have a good night,” Neal said, tossing Emma’s passport back to her as the other guard finished his sweep of the bug. Rolling the window up and pulling onto the main road, Neal let out a breathless laugh of relief.

They’d done it. They’d really and truly done it.

He pulled off to the welcome building, exchanging what little cash he had for Canadian dollars, and realized with glee that, just with their cash, they had enough for a proper dinner. Not for a motel room, but food was more important.

That night, they feasted on cheap diner food. Chicken strips, onion rings and grilled cheese, with pumpkin pie for dessert, and black coffee to wash it down. They slept in the bug in the motel’s parking lot, and in the morning, managed to sneak into one of the rooms to shower before they continued on their way to Vancouver.

“Today just feels different, you know?” Emma asked, looking over at him with a wide grin. “It feels like we can just wash everything away once we get rid of these watches.”

“It does. Like the start of the rest of our lives,” Neal said, squeezing her hand and grinning as they drove through the confusing streets of Vancouver. “The pawn shop I looked up in the phone book should be on this road, so keep an eye out for that.”

“There it is! Less Junk 4 U!”

Neal grinned, finding a parking spot and looking at the shop. “Are you ready? After today, everything changes.”

“I’m ready for anything.”

They clasped their hands together when they exited the bug and entered the shop, Neal holding the bag of watches carefully as he approached the counter.

“Hey there! How can I help you both today?” the woman at the counter asked with a wide smile.

“Got a few watches here that belonged to my dad,” Neal explained, letting Emma’s hand go and setting the bag down, carefully taking each watch out.

The woman’s eyes widened as she took in the condition of them, lifting one into her hands delicately. “These are beautiful. Pristine, even! It’s so rare that we get a treasure like this. You’re really sure you want to sell these?”

Neal wrinkled his nose, shrugging a little as if it were a difficult choice. “Yeah, I’m sure. Before he died, my dad and I didn’t have the greatest relationship and I’m not really a watch guy so… I figured someone else would get more use out of them if I brought ‘em here.”

“That’s very kind of you. I know many people who would love to have a Patek Philippe in this beautiful condition. I can give you... $20,000 for them, is that alright?”

Neal and Emma gasped, pretending to be shocked at the price, letting out chuckles of surprise, and Neal gripping the counter hard.

“Twe - twenty thousand? That - that’s amazing! We could do anything we wanted!” Emma remarked. “Ma’am… you’ve just changed our lives.”

She laughed softly, gesturing them over to the register. “Aw, come on now, you’re giving me too much credit. It’s not just about the money, it’s about what you guys intend to do with it.”

“We plan to get an apartment in Tallahassee,” Emma said, although Neal noticed she was beginning to look a little pale. “It’ll be our first time living together.”

The woman hummed, smiling a little as she finished counting out the cash. “Here you are… hey, are you feeling alright?”

“Um. Sorry but do you have a bathroom I could use?” Emma asked, her face going white.

“Of course, just go down this hall, it’s on the right.”

Emma rushed off, and Neal followed, worriedly waiting for her outside. Christ, this was only his second day of his promise to August, and Emma was puking her guts out in a pawn shop toilet! What if something was terribly wrong with her?

Neal fussed with his hands until the sound of the flush graced his ears. Emma looked shaken when she emerged, but otherwise okay.

“That’s better…” she said calmly, popping a mint she’d swiped from the motel desk into her mouth. “Are you ready to go?”

He nodded wordlessly, taking her hand as they moved back into the main area of the store.

“Are you alright?” the employee asked as they approached the door.

“Yeah - sorry about that. We just had too much fried food last night and I think it’s come back to kick me in the ass. Thanks for letting me use your bathroom,” Emma said.

Neal found his voice. “Yeah, and thanks for the money too. You’ve really helped us out today.”

“No trouble. You two have a good day.”

When they were alone, Neal looked worriedly at her. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine, Neal… I promise. Let’s just check into a proper hotel now.”

He smiled, tucking a piece of blonde hair behind her ear. “Whatever you want to do. Maybe we can do a little bit of sightseeing before we go back to the States?”

“I think that sounds fun. It’ll be like a proper vacation,” she said with a grin. “I’ve never been on vacation before.”

“Me either, so I’m glad it’s with you.”

“I love you, Neal Cassidy.”

“I love you too, Emma Swan.”

They kissed before driving off into the Vancouver afternoon.

[ren1327]

Pretty Boy Ch.4

Ben had just finished sending his last apology text to Sammy and Grey, when Kenji parked in a huge garage.

“Kenji?” He asked as Kenji got out and opened his door.

“No one’s here. Or I think no one’s here.” He said. “So we can just hang out together.”

“Kenji, what’s wrong?” Ben asked.

Kenji led him up the stairs and into the kitchen where Dave was sitting alone and eating a loaded pizza in jean shorts and a cut off shirt.

“Caught me.” He said loudly.

“Dave…why?” Kenji asked, trying not to laugh.

“Cause your sister has these fancy finger foods and sometimes a guy just wants a loaded greasy pizza in his most comfortable clothes.” He said. “Want some? I don’t think I can get rid of this evidence before Cookie gets back tomorrow.”

“Sure.” Kenji said. “This is Ben.”

“Hiya Ben.” Dave said. “Friend of Kenji’s?”

“Yeah. We’re kinda…ditching?”

“That swanky birthday party?” He asked. “Heard they had a fancy coffee bar.”

“Well this is their best baris—shit!” Kenji shouted.

“Don’t worry.” Ben said. “One of my friends took my place.”

Kenji sighed in relief and got two plates down from the cabinet.

They all sat down, eating in silence.

Kenji noticed how Ben sat with his back straight, careful of his bites and even finger placement as he ate. He wiped his fingers and mouth neatly after every bite, making sure to be clean at all times. He never spoke with his mouth full and always answered politely.

A real gentleman. Perfect for talking to customers.

Dave stood and stretched, taking the empty box in his hand and smiling.

“I’m gonna go toss this then take a walk.” He said. “Behave you two.”

Kenji smirked when Ben blushed and looked at his lap.

“So, what do you wanna do?” Kenji asked.

“Um, can I borrow some mouthwash?!” Ben almost yelled, face red.

Kenji stared at him.

“My breath is garlicy and it’s gonna bug me.” He said quietly, nervously.

Kenji smiled at him.

“Yeah. And after, I think I know what we can do.”

 *

 Ben laughed excitedly as he got another strike.

“Again?!” Kenji yelled in dismay.

They were in the mansion’s bowling alley, Ben excited to play.

“Physics, my dear Mr. Kon!” Ben said proudly. “And classic mechanics.”

“…Mr. Carr’s class makes you better at bowling?” Kenji asked with a chuckle.

“And pool.” Ben said with a wink, then twirled theatrically into a bow. “So, final score says…I win!”

“I invite you into my home and you beat me at my own game.” Kenji said dramatically throwing a hand over his forehead.

Ben laughed and sat next to him.

“Man. You really are something.” Kenji said.

“What do you mean?”

Kenji smiled down at him and swept from hair from his eyes. Ben looked up at him, blushing, but not moving away.

“You’re way more than a pretty face.” He said and cupped his cheek.

Kenji leaned closer as Ben shut his eyes.

“Hey guys?!” Dave called over the intercom.

They jumped apart as another voice sounded on the speaker.

“Benjamin Pincus, you worried your mother sick!” A thick French accent said.

“Hi, Barry.” Ben said softly.

“Who’s that?” Kenji asked.

“Barry. He works for my Mom.” Ben said. “She must have asked him to get me.”

Kenji watched his switch his shoes.

He looked at Kenji with sad eyes. “I gotta go.”

“I…um, there’s a club!” Kenji said suddenly. “Called Isla Nublar. I’m going there with some friends next Saturday night. We got a table.”

“I…I’ll be there.” He said with a smile. “In the meantime—”

“I know where to find you.” Kenji said.

 *

 Simon looked down at his son, who stared at him right back expectantly.

“Why did you leave without informing us?” He asked. “It was rude to Mr. Lockwood and the rest of the guests. What was more important than attending?”

“A friend of mine wasn’t feeling well, so I went with him to his house where we ate and bowled.” Ben said, looking at his shoes. He heard his mother come in and give a sigh of relief.

Simon relayed the information to her, and she gave him a look.

“You and Kenji bowled?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He said.

“And nothing else?” Sandra asked.

“No.” Ben said incredulously. “We only just met a few days ago.”

“You and Kenji met a few days ago?” Simon asked, looking confused.

“You know him?” Ben asked.

“I know his father very well.”

“He invited me out with his friends next week. I really want to go.” Ben said.

“Where?” Simon asked, his shoulders relaxing a bit.

“Isla Nublar?”

“…” Simon sighed. “Fine, but you better apologize to your mother and Mr. Lockwood. Also, Barry will accompany you.”

Ben opened his mouth.

“At a distance.” Simon added and Ben’s mouth shut. “I need to make sure your drink isn’t spiked or anything.”

“You’d let me drink?” Ben asked.

“I’d pretend you didn’t.” He said as Sandra laughed.

“We were you once too, Honey.” She said and hugged Simon’s arm.

“Okay. I’m gonna go to bed.” He said and hugged his father, then his mother.

As he left, he heard his mother murmur “I guess we were wrong. It looks like everything’s going fine.”

He paused and observed their shadows on the hallway wall.

“And so heaven answers.” Simon answered back happily, dipping his wife into a kiss.

He heard his mother laugh and chuckled as he walked to his room. Barry joined him.

“She keeps whining.” He said.

“She woke up?” Ben asked.

“Yes.” The guard answered. “Apparently we are going clubbing next weekend?”

“Yeah.” Ben said.

“You think he’ll bring that attendant of his?”

“Dave?” Ben asked. “Was it the cutoffs or the jokes?”

“A little of both.” Barry chuckled and stopped as Ben got to his bedroom. “Goodnight, Ben.”

“Night Barry.”

He heard whining and went inside to see Bumpy waddling in circles before she scampered over to him and barked happily, her lower half wiggling excitedly.

“Hey, girl.” He said and started changing.

Bumpy walked up a ramp Owen had installed for her. He had said he had done so for his pack of four Alaskan malamutes. He got into bed, the little corgi licking his cheek before she settled down and nuzzled his arm.

“Hey, Bumpy.” He whispered, seeing her one pointed ear twitch.

“When is it okay to go from like to love?” He asked.

She shifted and licked his hand before nuzzling him again. He pet between her ears.

“Oh boy…” He groaned and covered his red face with both hands.

 *

 For the next week, Kenji came by every time Ben was on shift.

He would order whatever smoothies and teas the barista recommended and give a somewhat biased review. Sammy watched him with a careful eye and on the third day suggested a lemon bar to go with his chilled chai.

Kenji always arrived looking tired and always left with a smile and a bag of treats for his mother, sister and nanny.

Kenji came in on Thursday, the fifth day in a row to see Ben, who held out a dark red thermos with jasmine flowers pained on it by hand.

“I remember yesterday, you said you were having trouble relaxing and I…made you a new combination. It’s lavender with valerian root and passionflower. The smell should relax you and help you sleep. I made enough for you and your Dad.” He said.

“My Dad?” Kenji asked.

“You said your Dad was having a hard time sleeping. So maybe you two can drink it together.” Ben said.

Kenji smiled. “Getting flowers from such a pretty boy. I’m sure lucky.”

Ben sputtered and blushed. “I just…oh! A customer, I’ll—”

Kenji grabbed his hand and pulled it to his mouth to kiss the top of it. “Thank you, Ben.”

Ben blushed deeply and nodded, shakily moving away.

“See you tomorrow?” Kenji asked.

“Definitely!” Ben said.

“Bring Sammy and Yaz too.” He said and Sammy threw him a peace sign as he left.

He placed the thermos carefully in his cup holder and looked through the windows to see Ben bring his lips to the top of his own hand, eyes closed.

Kenji beat a hand on his steering wheel at how cute the boy was and had to take a few deep breaths before he started his car, cheeks warm and his car smelling of lavender.

 *

 “Hey Dad?” Kenji called to his father.

“Yes, my son?” Kosei asked and noticed the large thermos in his hands.

“Uh, share a drink with me? It’s just tea.”

Kosei was dressed down tonight, promising his wife to turn in early. Kenji rarely saw his father in soft pajama pants and a t-shirt. But tonight, he looked tired and like a million things were going through his mind.

“Sure. How about the balcony?” He asked.

Kenji nodded as the cook set out two cups and moved to take the thermos. Kenji shook his head and thanked her as his father sat in one of the wicker chairs overlooking the California coast.

Kenji poured the tea and Kosei took his cup, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes.

“This smells incredible.” He said and sipped it, eyes snapping open.

Kenji took a sip himself and gasped as a sweet soft flavor invaded his senses. It held him and stroked down his body, making him relax and sleepy.

He wondered if this is what it felt like to be safe I a lover’s arms and briefly imagined Ben holding him and stroking his face before leaning in to kiss his forehead.

“This was made with love.” Kosei said.

“Yes. Um, a friend made it for me and asked if I could share it with you.” Kenji said, his vison of Ben lingering beside him.

“In this thermos?” Kosei asked, looking at the hand painted item.

“Yes. He likes tea and smoothies and I guess flowers.” Kenji said.

“Do you know the language of flowers, Kenji?”

“French?” He asked.

“Jasmines.” Kosei chuckled. “Have a symbolic meaning.”

“What do they mean?”

“Jasmine is…complex. It means many things; purity, grace and sensuality. But in this case, I suppose it meant positive feelings. But I smell lavender too. Which is related to serenity and devotion.”

Kenji blushed and looked at his cup.

“Did you know in many countries, jasmine flowers are also related to love and used in weddings?”

“Dad.” Kenji sighed.

Kosei looked at his son and smiled. “My son. You make me so proud by expressing yourself so freely. Loving life freely. I want you to understand you can keep loving as you see fit.”

Kenji put his cup down and hugged his dad.

“Besides,” Kosei said. “Anyone who makes tea this good is a perfect in-law for me.” Kenji laughed as he reclined and took another sip, his vison of Ben smiling peacefully at him.

“Yeah.” Kenji said softly.

He would.