There hadn't been a day that Emma could say she felt like she belonged with any of the families she was adopted by. Well, one family had made her keep the name 'Swan', but they gave her up when they were pregnant of their own child. From that moment on, it was more of a hop from family to  foster care, to family again. 
Today was no different. 
Her adoptive parents had chosen to bring her back because she was distrustful and rude. Something she was known by lately. 
However, the moment she saw an opportunity to leave, she would catch it. And that opportunity arrived not a moment too soon. 

Emma climbed out of the window, sliding down the pipe to land on the soft grass. She wasn't going back there, which was obvious because she was carrying a backpack with food, bottles of juice and some clothing. No, she was going somewhere else. She had it all planned out. She would earn a lot of money and then go live on her own, she could pull that off. The foster system taught her how to be independent. 

She pulled her shoes on and climbed over the fence, but, as she jumped off, her shirt got caught by one of the sharp pointy arrows that served to keep any robber out. The dog that was guarding the place started barking and Emma groaned, twisting and turning until finally; her shirt ripped and she was free. She wanted to relax and enjoy her freedom when one of the lights in the building turned on. 

Emma didn't know how fast she could run, but there was only one way to find out. The young girl took a run for it, she knew this place with her eyes closed. So finding shelter wouldn't be as difficult. 
She chose a place under a bridge, and placed a heap of her clothes to use as a pillow.

---

Neal Cassidy

Emma Swan

Just a lost

unwanted little boy

Ever since being abandoned and later dumped in the foster system, Neal had struggled to belong anywhere. The last place he'd ever really belonged had been with the Darlings, long before he'd gone to Neverland. One of his foster families had soon become a place to almost be a permanent one, but, once their other kid came home, he was sent back. Ever since that, it had been family, to group home, then back to family. Now he was once again back in the group home stage of his life.

Neal knew that he wanted to escape, and, he knew that tonight was the perfect opportunity to do it.

Once everyone was asleep, Neal shoved all of his belongings in a backpack, and, slid out of the window. Gripping onto the panels of the side of the house, he hung himself down, as he quickly and quietly dropped down to the ground below. He was never going back there, which would become obvious once they saw what was in his backpack. Food, water, juice and all the clothes he had ever owned. Neal would wait until morning and then get a job, earning money of his own. Then he wouldn't have to go back there. He could be independant, thanks to what he was taught in both the foster system, and, his life of survival on Neverland.

Neal slipped on his backpack, and, soon ran through the yard of the group home. His foot got caught in between some twigs, just as he reached the fence. He let out a silent groan, as he knew that the groundskeeper would be here soon, and, if he wanted to get away he'd have to hurry and get out of here.

Wiggling his foot around, Neal soon found himself successfully out of his sneaker. Standing up a little, Neal quickly pulled the sneaker out from the pile of twigs, and, slipped it on as silently as he could. Neal then broke into a run once again, when he saw the backyard light turn on.

Neal knew that he could run quite well, due to his life of running on Neverland. And, he knew parts of this place well enough to be able to find somewhere to sleep.

Soon he saw a bridge up ahead, and, would sleep there tonight. When he reached the bridge he was surprised to see someone already there. 

Stepping back in surprise, Neal clung to his backpack. "Oh, um. Sorry I didn't expect anyone to be here." Neal said, looking at the young blonde girl who looked close to his age.

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Emma pulled up her knees to her chest and wrapped one arm around them. She sort of missed Lily's company, but after what she had done to her; there was no way Emma was going to forgive her.
She was about to fall asleep when a voice snapped her awake.

It sort of startled her, thinking she had been caught and was going to be brought back there. So it was only natural for her to crawl away until she realized it was just a boy.
Emma sat up, letting reality sink in that it couldn't be someone from the foster system.
The boy seemed to be around her age, if not a bit older. He had a backpack swung over his shoulder, and frankly, his eyes seemed to have a hint of something familiar.

"Yeah sorry, seems like someone beat you to the punch." Emma said, her voice seeped with exhaustion that she tried to hide. She already went through a lot, she didn't need someone who brought attention to this bridge. Let alone a stranger. Maybe it was just a homeless boy, seeking for shelter.
Not that she cared, finders keepers right? The boy would have to find another place to sleep.

---

Neal Cassidy

Emma Swan

Just a lost

unwanted little boy

Neal clung tightly to his backpack straps, as he wandered the streets. Hearing a siren, Neal quickly looked around, thinking it was the cops. But, he let out a small sigh of relief when he saw it was a firetruck instead.

He had never really had a lot of friends, and, he missed company, but, Neal knew it was against his chances of happiness.

Noticing the reaction from the girl, Neal smiled softly before looking at her. She didn’t seem that much off of his age. And she seemed to have a backpack, and, the same lost look in her eyes that he had in his.

Nodding his head softly, Neal shook his head and looked at her “Don’t be sorry, it’s not like it’s the first time.” Neal sighed softly and began to walk away, before looking at the set-up the girl had, and, how close it was to the water. “You know, you might want to store your things up higher. The water can get pretty bad, and, everything would end up soaked.” Neal went to turn away, before heading off to find somewhere else to sleep for the night.

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Emma responded to the siren just as much as the boy did, sitting up and grabbing a hold of her stuff; ready to make a run for it.
Though, it seemed the sirens faded away and the boy in front of her somewhat relaxed. Emma didn't see a reason to let her guard down however, she was still on the run. There was still a chance that she could be found.

The boy however, didn't seem to want to fight for the spot; even though there was enough space for like 4 or maybe 5 people under the bridge.
"What do you mean?" She asked, as he told her this wasn't the first time. What was the first time? Someone taking a spot under a bridge? There were tons of bridges here.

When he said that she should move her stuff up higher, she couldn't help but glance at the water. It did seem a bit higher now than the moment she got here.

With a sigh, Emma relocated her stuff so there was more room for the boy to join her.
"Wait.." She called to the boy who was leaving, she was not sure if this was an act of guilt or just because she wanted some company. "I can move, but don't think of it as an act out of pity."

---

Neal Cassidy

Emma Swan

Just a lost

unwanted little boy

As he tensed up at the noise of the siren, Neal clung to his backpack and looked around, ready to run for it, he wasn’t going back to that place.

When the sirens faded, Neal found himself able to relax a bit more. For now, he was safe, but, he still wasn’t quite ready to let his guard down completely. He was still on the run. And, he probably could still be found.

Neal didn’t see the point in trying to fight for the spot, he could see there was room for more under the bridge, but, he wasn’t sure it would matter.

“I just mean, that I’m used to being beaten to the punch, and, then being forced away or kicked out.” Neal said, sighing sadly. His memories of his life coming to his head, of all the homes and places.

After giving his advice, Neal began to walk off. Hopefully, the girl would take his advice. If she was like him, her whole life was probably in that backpack.

Hearing the girl tell him to wait, Neal stopped, and, turned mid-step. At the girl’s words, he made his way closer towards the girl. “Don’t worry, it’s not like I’m not used to pity.” Neal said, before making his way back under the bridge.

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There was something familiar about the way the boy seemed to act like he didn't want to be found, similar to her own feelings. Maybe he had something in common with her, but ever since the fight with Lily; Emma had difficulties believing people.

Though, the boy seemed very sad when he mentioned that he was used to it; used to people forcing him away or kicking him out. Instantly, she felt a bit sad too. Her life was full of being kicked out, so who was she to pull off the same thing to another kid; who quite possibly experienced the same thing she was going through right now.
"Sucks to be you.." She mumbled, trying to act stronger and braver than she actually felt. The truth was better off pushed away. She didn't want any more of those thoughts filled with self pity. Not to mention this kid had nothing to do with her. They were just two kids on the streets trying to survive. Besides, there were lots of other kids in worse positions; so Emma had nothing to complain, yet.

The boy returned when she told him she could move, and maybe; just maybe it was for the best.
Two were always better than one, right? And she missed Lily, perhaps some company would make her feel less lost.
Emma sat down next to her stuff, so the boy could have his own spot under the bridge.
"I'm Emma." She said eventually.

---

Neal Cassidy

Emma Swan

Just a lost

unwanted little boy

Neal panicked at the thought of being caught by the cops, or anyone, and, taken back to that place. But, the way the girl had reacted made him think maybe they had something in common. Although, after his father's and Hook's betrayals, trusting people was kind of hard for him.

Mentioning being forced away from somewhere brought sadness to his heart, and, to the tone in his voice. His life was full of nothing, but, being sent away or kicked out. Either that or just being left behind. It was no surprise that this girl was doing it to him as well. She had no reason to trust him, just like he didn't have a reason to trust her.

"Guess it does" Neal said, shrugging softly. Keeping his thoughts to himself, Neal didn't want to push anything. He did better off on his own anyway. His life had consisted of wallowing in self-pity for long enough, so, he decided to stop. Besides, this girl was not connected to him in the slightest. They just lived on the streets.

His surprise with the girl saying she could move, had caused him to back up a bit, and, walk back towards her and the bridge.

Neal missed having some company, he hadn't had any since his few friends on Neverland. And, maybe, having someone else now would make him have a better chance of finding the place he belonged in this world.

Pulling off his backpack, Neal took a place under the bridge next to the girl, placing his stuff next to him.

"I'm Neal." Neal said, smiling softly at her.

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She stared at Neal's backpack, and then at hers. It didn't look like he was planning on going back to where he came from. Ironically, neither was she.
Emma ruffled through her bag and took out a bottle of juice that she had taken from her group home. She took a small sip, just enough to satisfy a bit of her thirst. She didn't want to run out any time soon, because who knew how long she would be living on the streets. Not to mention she would need to find a job, that is, if anyone would hire a runaway.

Emma leaned back, her back leaning against the bridge. The sun was rising, and soon they would discover she was gone.
Would they bother trying to find her? Probably. She was too young to live on her own, despite her experience out there.

After an amount of silence, she looked at the boy.
"So what's your story?" She asked, taking another small sip from her juice. Then, she put the bottle back into her backpack and stared in front of herself again.

---

Neal Cassidy

Emma Swan

Just a lost

unwanted little boy

Neal kept his backpack by his side, as he looked at Emma's. She seemed to be a runaway just like him.

He ignored it, and, quickly went to pull a bottle of soda out of the backpack, that he'd taken from the group home before he'd fled. But, he only had a small sip for right now. Since for right now, it had to last him. He planned to be on the streets for a while, so, it was better to just let the things in his pack last. His step in the nearest future was to find himself a job. Although, who would hire a teenager was unknown to him.

Neal lay down with his back against the backpack, as he looked up at the sky. Daylight was coming, which meant that soon they would notice he had taken off. But, he wasn't sure whether they would even come looking for him. Yes, he was still a bit young, but, that didn't mean much.

He adjusted his beanie, as he stayed sitting there in silence. At her question, Neal smiled softly before looking up at her. "Well, my story is that my mum walked out on me and my father when I was too young to remember her, and, my father abandoned me a few years later. I've been on my own ever since. What about you? What's your story?" Neal asked, as he placed the soda back into his backpack.

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She listened quietly to what Neal had to say, apparently, his story wasn't very different of hers. They were both abandoned. There was no doubt about that. When Neal asked what her story was, she pulled her knees to her chest and hugged them, like she was trying to hold herself together. At least, it felt like she was falling apart. She was lost, nobody wanted her, not even her real parents.

She sniffled, and then rubbed her nose with the back of her sleeve.
"My parents didn't bother raising me. They just left me on the side of a highway when I was born." She paused, looking at the horizon that was glowing bright orange. "After that, I've just been adopted and kicked out. Quite a few times actually."

Emma clenched her fists, still looking at the sunrise.
"I just don't understand adults." It was more of a reference to her parents, and the many others that adopted her only to force her away.

---

Neal Cassidy

Emma Swan

Just a lost

unwanted little boy

S peaking of what had happened with his papa broke his heart all over again. He had been abadoned and betrayed, and, now he was alone in this world. Watching the girls reaction to his question made him realise that maybe she was the same way he was. Or in the same situation. Lost, alone, and, not wanted by anyone.

At the answer, Neal raised his eyebrows and looked at her. "I'm so sorry to hear that. When my father abandoned me, I was just dropped in the middle of the road, and, I never saw him again." Neal said, before moving himself closer to Emma. "Well, I was never actually adopted. No-one wanted to adopt a teenager. I mean, I was dropped into some homes as a foster kid, but, it was never permanent. I mean, they kept me around for the government check, but, in the end, I was always kicked out of them too."

Neal blinked back the tears that were threatening to come to his eyes.

"You and me both" Neal said. He was referring to more then just both of his parents, Hook was another adult he'd never really understand.

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She sighed, why did life have to be so goddamn difficult?
Emma smiled sadly when Neal said that he was sorry to hear that. Well, she was sorry for his past as well. What are the odds of two foster kids meeting at the same time under a bridge? Creepy coincidence?
"I don't know what could be worse. Never knowing your parents, or knowing they left you for some particular reason." She wasn't trying to be rude this time, she was actually feeling pretty miserable.

"Yeah.. I got adopted a few times until I became too old. Now I'm just stuck in group homes."

She really didn't want to say anything else at this point, at least the boy understood her pain and why she had escaped the group home.
Emma started packing a bit of her stuff, looking at Neal for a moment; like she was hesitating.

"Would you.. wanna run away together? I mean, I know the streets very well. This bridge is just one of the secret hiding spots I have." She paused, noticing Neal was furiously trying to blink away his tears.
"Only.. if you want to."

---

Neal Cassidy

Emma Swan

Just a lost

unwanted little boy

Life had to be complicated didn't it?

Neal actually did mean it when he said he was sorry to hear it.

It was scary that two foster kids would meet under the same bridge, maybe, his papa was right with everything happening for a reason.

"I don't either. I have the nightmares from that moment in my head night after night. But, I don't know if it can be as bad as never knowing your real parents either." Neal said, sighing softly as he spoke. He was feeling terrible as he spoke about it.

"Well, I was never young enough to be considered with adoption, but, I'm bouncing back and forth through group homes. Or was."

Nothing else was going to be said about it. He just didn't want to. This girl seemed to know what he was going through, and, why it was needed to be escaped from.

Neal watched Emma start to pack up some of her stuff, had he done something wrong? He was going to ask when she turned back towards him.

"What? Really. You mean together? How many hiding spots do you know, I mean there can't really be alot around here where kids could blend in." Neal said, sighing softly.

"Oh yeah, I do want to. Don't get me wrong."

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Emma winced at hearing that Neal had nightmares. She was sort of lucky to not be bothered by it, one of the perks of never knowing who your parents are, she supposed that was why. The discomfort was obvious in Neal's voice, and she didn't reply to what he said. She didn't want to be reminded of what she had gone through, since Neal's story seemed to be pretty alike with hers.

Though, when the boy agreed to joining her, she smiled; sort of in a mischievous way.
"Well, there's this pizzeria. I know the guy who owns the place. In the back of his restaurant, there's a corner that is invisible to the camera's. You can sneak into the bathroom from there. I stayed there a couple of times. Escaping is pretty easy too, just climb through the window in the bathroom."

She found her hiding spot pretty clever, not to mention she had a few more when Neal wouldn't like the smell of pizza all around them. At least they would sleep warm and indoors.

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Neal Cassidy