You might wanna try believing in me

I could only hope so. She's still as stubborn as ever so I wouldn't count on it. I'm not going to intervene this time around. It's all up to her. No amount of pixie dust will make me convince her otherwise.

I would love nothing more than be able to explore this world, but it's already daunting enough living in Storybrooke, getting used to life here and all. From what I've heard, I don't think people outside of Storybrooke would exactly find me sane if I told anyone who I really am. Besides, I can't imagine being without my magic again.

I don't. Hook and Bealfire are close enough but I can’t say they’re my best friends. I haven't exactly gotten used to being in Storybrooke enough to make any good friends. Sure, there are the other fairies... or rather, nuns, but I have absolutely nothing in common with them.

Well, I wasn't a fairy for a while so I did manage to survive building and fixing things without magic.

I don't have parents. You probably know the saying "When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about. That was the beginning of fairies." So you can say some baby was probably laughing... or giggling and lo and behold, here I am.

Yeah, I do. Thanks to Hook. It’s been a long time because it was full year since I’ve been back, but for you guys it probably felt like a blink of an eye. I have no idea why someone would wand to cast another curse. If you remember anything or have any idea who could be behind this, please tell me. It’s good to see you as well.

And I’ve been... okay, I guess. I almost got engaged to a flying monkey, so that’s been fun to process. Henry still doesn’t remember. I’m not sure what I’m going to tell Neal about his son not recognizing him.

I’ll definitely keep you updated if I find anything. I know Blue and the rest of the fairies are trying to investigate it as well. They’re set on Regina being the one who did it but they won’t listen to me when I told them that it was impossible. I mean why would she cast a curse to get back to Henry when he has no memory of her? It just doesn’t make sense.

Yikes to the almost flying monkey fiance. I haven’t seen Bae... or Neal around. Apparently a lot of other people have been missing but he has to be here somewhere. I don’t think he would go missing without putting up a fight. He’s a resilient one, that guy.

What does Henry think of the town? I’ve heard what New York was like so I’m sure this place is a big change for him.

Perhaps, I do wonder what she found so trusting in me but I won’t complain. I’m just glad to have her back.

Concrete jungle? Strange. I can’t image what people would see in a place like that when they could be somewhere more rural or live by the sea. I wouldn’t swap my ship for New York City. And I did not see any wild animals but I did see some curious people who could be mistaken for one.  So what are your plans, love? Are you staying in Storybrooke?

Yeah, I’m staying here in Storybrooke and and I’ve been living in the town hovel called an apartment. I refused to stay with Blue and the others at the convent. As you know, I’m definitely no nun.

I think I’ve gotten the hang of living in this world, trying to figure out how I can make myself useful. I’m still getting used to my magic here. I’d show you what it’s like but I don’t want to accidentally burn anything, especially that devilishly handsome face of yours. In the meantime, I’ve taken a liking to fixing up things again, I guess. I’m trying to figure out those motor carriage things at the Garage place. Maybe once I get the hang of fixing those I can help out one of these days.

So how’s the Jolly Roger? Still ship shape as ever?

Lady Bell, always a pleasure. Aye, that I did, not entirely sure how I managed to get her to drink the potion so fast, I was a stranger to her. Perhaps I swayed her with my good looks and charming personality. But New York's a curious place, it does make me wonder what the Old one was like.

I’m not surprised in the slightest that you were able to convince her. Maybe has to be more than your good looks and charm but I’m glad you’ve survived it all. 

I don’t think there was an Old York. I haven’t been there, of course, but from what I heard it’s almost like a jungle. I’ve read it’s also called the “concrete jungle”! Did you see any wild animals?

I highly doubt that. From what the Dwarfs told me is they loved the Enchanted Forest and none of them would cast a curse that would wipe out everyone's memories from there. Besides, the only attention Leroy is interested in is from Nova.

Thanks, Emma. I see you have your memories back, thank goodness so welcome back too. I can't believe a whole year had passed. It just felt like I just saw you leave. I'm afraid I can't say I know what happened. I wish I could help but it's good to see you again. How have you been? How's Henry?

I have no clue. I know Regina didn't because that would mean she would have to rip out the heart of the one she loves most and that would have been Henry. I'm just as clueless as everyone else.

“Good job, honey,” Jefferson praised his daughter, sensing that she needed some reassurance. He had always been fine-tuned to her needs, as her only caregiver for a good while, and since the end of the first curse, their bond quickly regenerated. And by coming back to the Forest and fending for their own together again, their sync was as good as ever. “It looks wonderful.”

“Indeed, Grace becomes quite a baker. Sometimes I think this is where she imagines herself when she grows up. Owning a teahouse or similar, baking the sweets herself. Or do you have different plans, sweetheart?” He offered up a chance for them to talk about a safe topic. He supposed Grace would be a bit too shy to start a conversation herself, and the fairy had nothing to go with in terms of topics.

“Oh. I think I’ve heard a bit about you from Belle,” he offered carefully, letting her know that he had some amount of knowledge, at least what Belle had from Neal, about the events in Neverland. “Didn’t really know about your… agreement with Blue Fairy about your job.” He swallowed, at her words and question, and forced a smile on his face. “This is too grim of a topic for teatime,” he answered, “let’s put a cap on it until we’ve enjoyed this brew.”

As they wrapped up the tea party, he hugged Grace close to himself. “Honey, we’re almost out of mushrooms, but I’d like to make an omelet for our fairy guest before she has to go on. Can you go and collect some for us, please? You know the rules, don’t go far while alone, and be back before sunset. Okay?” Once she was out of the cottage, and Jefferson shut the door after her, turning back without smiling, eyes serious. “I’ve heard rumors but hoped them to be false. Is she really here? Did she bring her flying monkeys? She’s the one in the castle, isn’t she?”

Grace gave a proud grin as she took another tart before taking a sip of her tea. They discussed how much she loved to bake and one day have a teahouse with her father’s hats on display. She was happy to go on and on about her ideas and even took out a few of the hats her father made. She put on the hat with pink and white roses and brought over a green one with yellow roses, placing it on the fairy’s head.

“Oh!” Tink chuckled as she had never worn a hat before and let the little girl fix it on her head. “These are beautiful, Grace and I really love that idea.” She grinned at Jefferson, admiring the hat collection. “I think you both have a wonderful plan right there. A lovely tea house is what this land needs and I have no doubt that you can make that happen one day. If you ever need help building one, I’ll be happy to assist. I’m a tinker fairy, so I like building things and fixing things up.”

“Thank you, Miss Tink!” Grace beamed, already excited with the idea. However, she knew there were more important matters to be discussed as she could tell her father was a bit worried about the reason why she visited. She honestly did not mind hearing more about what Tink had to say about the Wicked Witch and how they could help but she knew her father would not let her get involved when he told her to go look for mushrooms. 

“Yes, Papa. I’ll stay close.” She agreed as she put on her shawl and hood a bit reluctantly. She really wanted to help in any way. However, she understood her father wanted to protect her but if it meant cooking for the fairy and raising her spirits a bit, that was enough for now. After all, she did have the best nose to find delicious mushrooms and herbs that could make the perfect omelet for Tink. She waved to the fairy before she left the cottage.

As much as Tink was enjoying the tea party, she had to at least inform Jefferson what had been going on even if there was no way to find how to defeat the Wicked Witch. When he closed the door, she took off her hat with a deep breath letting him ask the questions as she listened attentively.

She nodded with sadness in her eyes. “Yes, I’m afraid the rumors are true. Princess Snow is pregnant and the Wicked Witch is after her baby. She’s been turning people who defied her into flying monkeys. No one knows why she’s after the baby but she’s too powerful, and much more powerful than Regina. She’s absolutely met her match in her. Look, I understand if you don’t trust me right now, but I promise nothing is worth me losing my wings... again.” She paused as that would be another tale she had to wait to tell. “I just want to help Snow and the Enchanted Forest as much as I can. Even though I don’t expect to really find a way to defeat her, it doesn’t hurt to say I’ve tried.”

After taking another sip of her tea, she got up and looked out the window to keep an eye out for Grace. She continued. “But you’re safe here. The Witch doesn’t seem to know about this part of the Forest, nor is she aware that you have visited Oz. While you were there, was there anything or anyone that knew what her weakness is?”

I wouldn't mind going back to Storybrooke for a while. I didn't get a chance to really get used to the place for the short time I was there. I, especially, want to tinker around with those horseless carriage contraptions!

I only work with them when they need me to help out. I do get along with them but it's not like we're prancing around the clouds together or anything like that. After fending for myself in Neverland all those years, I've found I work much better on my own.

He took a large gulp of his rum, remembering the last few weeks since he arrived in the Enchanted Forest. They hadn’t done much, drinking in taverns, looking for the Jolly Roger and pillaging gold from royalty on the way. They didn’t need a ship to pillage, any good Captain with a decent crew can do without.

“Aye, a fair bit,” Killian topped up his rum already, his eyes shifting up to Tink. What he liked about her was that she didn’t judge, she may have before when they first met but that was common when people come into contact with a pirate. Now, he can tell by the look on her face that she seemed genuinely to care for him and this was something new. Someone caring for him but he usually brought that on himself. “I am still a pirate after all. But you on the other hand are not, which begs the question as to why you’re in a place like this.”

He’d admit that he didn’t know where fairies lived, where they resided or what they did but he was sure that they didn’t drink in dirty taverns. She may have lost her wings but he remembered that she now had magic again, Tink could help anyone. Maybe it was time she helped herself and made a life she wanted. “There’s quite a few bilge rats scuttering around here so you should keep an eye out,” he told her before having another swig.

---

Tink was not surprised Hook was still up to his old ways and managed without a ship. Though she understood being a pirate was frowned upon, her former fairy self had to admit, she was quite impressed. After all, the memories of her hustling her way throughout the Enchanted Forest after she lost her wings were still fresh on her mind. She absolutely had no room to talk. Drinking in taverns has been a normal pastime for the fairy, she forgot Hook had no idea of her actual life, or rather, an unconventional life as one. 

“I know, it’s strange to see a fairy in this sort of place but remember, I didn’t always have my wings.” Tink grinned as she took a swig herself. “I’ve had my fair share of… un-fairy like behavior but thanks for the warning. I think I can handle myself.”

He smiled at Grace as he let her go from his side. “Go and make sure the table is set and the guests are all ready for a reeeal fairy to join them! I’ll make the tea this time, honey.” Though the tea parties usually had only imaginary feasts, Jefferson supposed a real guest required some real liquid, so he put the kettle on and quickly boiled water for the tea while Grace fussed with the table and chairs. “I hope you’ll like it. my daughter serves the best tea parties in all the realms, I can attest to that,” he added with another warm smile, caressing Grace’s hair as he passed her and put the tray on the table. He supposed he didn’t need to warn anyone that it’s hot.

“It’s only a humble abode, I’m sure a fairy like you can enjoy palaces and castles everywhere. But maybe that’s why this might be different and thus memorable,” he noted, taking her compliment as empty politeness. “Meaningless tasks are such a chore. Then enjoy our home for the afternoon.” He was no fool to offer limitless welcome, at least not until he knew this visitor a bit better and gauged her intentions. Jefferson was polite, but not trusting - one too many betrayal from the Queen for that. “Though I must admit, I’m not used to fairies criticizing their superior. I thought you had a strict hierarchy? Isn’t the Blue Fairy is all knowing?” His eyes darted to Grace, unsure if the topic was lighthearted enough to her ears. Maybe they shouldn’t shatter her illusions about fairies just yet.

“Yes, I know, Papa! The chairs and table are all set!” Grace beamed as she made sure all her little “friends” were sitting on their own chair to make room for the fairy… a real fairy. The little girl could not stop smiling at the thought. However, nerves began to overcome her as she had hoped everything was perfect. Though she did learn to make delicious teas, making up her own blends, she had become somewhat anxious about what Tinker Bell would think of this particular brew. It was her favorite white tea blend with a bit of roses and wildberries. She named it “Garden Party Tea” and her father always brewed it perfectly. When her father set the tray down, she sat next to the fairy and began to enjoy her tea and tarts, listening to their conversation.

Tink took a bite of the delicious tart and sip of tea, savoring it for a moment before complementing Grace. “This is delicious and you baked these tarts yourself?” The girl nodded proudly before taking a bite herself. 

“Well done. You’ll have to give me the recipe sometime.” Tink grinned before turning back to Jefferson as he inquired about the Blue Fairy. “So, long story short, I was once under Blue’s orders a very long time ago before I… well, lost my wings and went to Neverland. Now I’m back to being a fairy again, we have come to an agreement that I would be more of a… free fairy as they say. I brought her back to life so you can say she owes me big time.” She gave a soft chuckle before taking another sip of tea before clearing her throat. She was worried about frightening the child about the Wicked Witch but knew it was in their best interest to be aware.

He raised an impressed eyebrow at Tink ordering a full bottle of rum for them to drink, his eyes taking her in as she threw the coins at the barmaid. Still the same feisty fairy he met all those years a go in Neverland. Killian wondered where she got that money from though, he doesn’t recall hearing that fairies get paid to cast magic spells or whatever it is they did. He wasn’t too familiar with what they did, they rarely helped pirates.

“Thanks, love,” he said, pushing the tankard away from him with his hook, “I think we need it after escaping that demon child.”

One thing he told himself all those years a go was that he’d never make his way back to Neverland. No matter what the circumstances. It took him centuries to leave that cursed island and nothing would have made him sail right back into Pan’s grasp. .

He wasn’t sure how it happened but he agreed to escort a bunch of heroes right back to that place - with him as his guest. Not only that but they managed to leave Neverland a week later and defeat Pan. If someone had told him this years a go, he’d laugh in their face. But he left that island a changed man, a hero, a pirate that was now questioning his life in the Enchanted Forest.

The barmaid brought over the bottle and an extra tankard for Tink and left them alone, waved his hand in the direction of the drink, “ladies first.

Killian ran a hand over his face in thought about his ship. He missed the Jolly Roger a lot, she was his most prized possession and a reminder of his late brother Liam, “And regarding my ship, I have no doubt our paths will cross. She’s a marvel and well sought after amongst pirates so I’m sure someone has her right now. But I’m the rightful Captain so I’m not taking any second-rate ship to take her place.”

Tink glanced at Hook as she began to pour the rum for herself and for him. She understood his attachment to the ship as she noticed he had indeed changed. And sadly, not for the better. He did not have the same devilishly handsome spark he once had when they had met in Neverland. It was as if she could see herself in him when she had lost her magic and her wings. However, not only did he lose the Jolly Roger, but also his love, Emma. 

It must have been devastating going through such an ordeal. She knew Hook was more than a pirate, after all. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, he was a hero. However, she knew better than to remind him of the good deeds he has done since, as she had said before, what real good did it do for him? She could not help but sympathize with him but that was the last thing he needed to know. Their friendship had always been quite unique in that sense. They never dwelled upon their grievances as they often decided to engage in activities that would distract them. Except this time, it would be only over a bottle of rum.

Still, Tink was curious about what sort of Pirate adventures he had gotten himself into. “So, what have you been doing in the meantime? More plundering, I assume?”