Thing He Loves Most (Peter Pan/Ouat)

Chapter Three (Part 2)

**Flashback**
--

"Bailey, slow down."

My grip on Thomas' hand only tightened as I dragged him through the dense forest with branches whipping passed my face. I had no idea where I was going, but I didn't care. All I could focus on was getting out of there as fast as I could.

"Can you at least tell me where we're going?" Thomas asked when he realized I wasn't going to slow down any time soon.

I shoved by a fern bush and it flew back and almost smacked Thomas in the face, if he hadn't have ducked in time.

"Home," I responded.

"What?"

I felt Thomas slow slightly, but ended up stumbling over his feet trying to match my speed, which was surprising considering he was taller than me and had longer legs.

"Bailey, stop for a second."

After a moment, I reluctantly gave in and slowed to a stop in a small clearing of trees, releasing Thomas' hand. I decided we were far enough from the Lost Boy's camp to spare a short break. We had snuck out when they were sleeping, so they probably hadn't even woken yet. The thought gave me a bit of reassurance.

"Shit, I forgot how fast you were," Thomas wheezed out.

I spun around to see my friend doubled over with his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. I was breathing hard too, but since I did a lot of jogging, I didn't get tired as easily. Still, I was surprised that Thomas was winded, considering he was on the basketball team.

I crossed my arms over my chest, glowering at him."Can you stop talking like you haven't seen me in a long time? It's scaring the hell out of me."

Thomas straightened up and gave me a look. "To you it may not have seemed like a long time, but to me, I've been gone a whole year, Bailey," His gaze softened. "I literally thought I'd never see you again."

A whole year? What kind of place was this?

Seeing the sad, vulnerable look in his eyes gave me an overwhelming urge to wrap my arms around him and never let go; and I almost did, too, if I hadn't remembered the reason why I jumped on that shadow and flew several thousand feet above the clouds and across the deep, dark ocean to be brought to an unknown land being ruled by a narcissistic, dictating teenager.

We could save the tears and reunion for later, when we were safely at home.

"Well, I'm here now," I said, dismissively. "And that's all that matters. Now, let's get out of here."

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the magic bean, holding it in my open palm. Thomas stared at it with an unreadable expression on his face.

"I know about the deal with Pan," he told me.

I looked up at him with wide eyes. "How did you--?"

"It doesn't matter how. The point is, you don't know Pan like I do. It'd be a bad idea to break his rules."

I turned away from him, focusing on the spot where I would toss the bean to open the portal. "I don't care what he says. There's something not right about him, Thomas. He's trying to keep me away from you. He shouldn't be trusted."

"Bailey, I'm not going back."

I tensed for a split second before I relaxed, ignoring the painful jab in my chest. "Don't be ridiculous."

I didn't want to believe Pan, but even now, when Thomas admitted it, I still refused to believe it.

"I've got a home here; friends, people who care about me..."