Pairings: Emma/August, August/Archie

Summary: August pays Dr. Hopper a visit.

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Once Upon a Time.

A/N: More exposition before we get to the fun stuff. At least I hope it's fun. No. It will be. Just read this in the meantime. And 1000 thanks to snarkysweetness for letting me bounce ideas off of her and helping me hammer this thing out.

Oh and sorry for not getting back to everyone individually, the reality is I'm terrible at communicating, but I will try. Just know that I love and appreciate all your kind reviews!

The wind whipped icily at August's exposed skin and seemed to permeate his leather jacket, sending a chill down his spine as he approached the glass door marked "Archibald Hopper, M.D." He pulled at the metal handle and made his way down the hall to Archie's office, taking a deep breath before gathering the courage to raise a fist to knock.

Archie opened the door with a smile. "Ah, please come in. Have a seat. Would you care for something to drink? Coffee? Tea?"

"No, thank you." He sat on the edge of the leather sofa with his hands together, elbows resting on his knees and looked around the dark, comfortable room.

After pouring himself a cup of coffee, Archie rounded the back of the couch to settle into his armchair. "To be honest I was surprised when you asked to see me… what brings you in?"

It wasn't at all false when August told Emma that Archie was 'in'. Although he may have chosen not to tell her what he was 'in' for: a counseling session. "Well it's… about a woman."

"Oh…" The man's eyes glistened just the way August remembered as a boy, though in a glaringly different form. "You must be talking about Miss Swan."

If August had accepted a drink from Archie, he would have choked on it or spit it out. As it stood, he still found himself unable to breathe for a moment and stared blankly.

"I'm sorry, that was presumptuous of me. How unprofessional. I just assumed because…"

"Because?" He looked up wide-eyed in anticipation.

"Well, I'm not in the business of perpetuating gossip, but in a small town like Storybrooke, it is difficult not to hear musings shared among citizens."

"What kind of musings?"

"That… well, that you and Miss Swan are engaged in a… romantic relationship."

August ran a hand through his hair, unable to comprehend exactly what Archie was saying and how terribly different this meeting turned out to be.

"That's not… we're not in a relationship. I mean, yeah, she's beautiful and she's smart and I should be so lucky…" he stopped after realizing what he was saying and then decided to cut to the chase. "I'm here about Ruby."

"Ruby?"

"Yeah… I told Emma I wanted to set you up with her." He sighed and rubbed his face. "I want you to come out with me on Friday to the bar so you can talk to her in a non-work environment."

"Oh, I don't think that's such a good idea." The man's cheeks reddened as he spoke. "Ruby's a lovely young woman who has no interest in me—"

"Look, there's no pressure. I told Emma to invite the girls, just come out, have a couple drinks, and see what happens."

"And you're certain this doesn't have anything to do with Emma?"

"No, I…" His voice trailed off. He really wasn't sure what he'd expected when he came to a psychiatrist's office, but analyzing his main friendship in town had somehow failed to cross his mind.

"Everyone has their share of personal problems, August, and sometimes, when two damaged people are meant to be together, they have to find another door. You'll get there."

For the third time during their brief meeting, August found himself speechless. Of course he was attracted to Emma, but he also knew that with everything going on, the curse, his condition, not getting too emotionally involved was paramount.

But that was also where he realized the validity of Archie's words. He was damaged. And he was here for Emma. And maybe, someday, they could be damaged together.

August let out a breath and shook his head. "Well if that's true, it will be a door far down the road." He looked up at Archie with a sad grin. "So, Friday?"

"Sure, why not?" He held out his hand and to shake August's. "Anything you think I should do to prepare?"

"Um… maybe wear something a little more casual, and less… shrinky."

"Of course," he laughed and followed August's lead as he rose to leave. "And by the way, the next time you want to invite me out, you don't need to make an appointment. But I am here if you ever want to talk."

Stepping out in the hall, he turned and nodded, then made his exit.

Archie's words rang in his ears and he wondered if maybe, subconsciously, this entire fabrication was actually a way to get closer to Emma. He wrung his hands as he pushed open the glass exterior door, and barreled head-down toward his bike. A figure appeared in his narrow field of vision, but it was too late. They crashed together in a cacophony of steadying arms and apologies before he looked up.

"Emma?"

Her face was flushed, probably from the cold. Neither her iconic bug nor the Sheriff's cruiser were anywhere in sight, so she must have walked here from across town.

"Oh, August, hey," she replied breathlessly, "I'm sorry, I wasn't looking."

"I wasn't either. What are you doing here?"

"Henry left his English folder in Archie's office after his session last night and Mary Margaret called to ask if I could pick it up for him." She seemed flustered, though he couldn't tell if it was because of their collision or something else entirely.

The space they occupied seemed to become very dense and he cleared his throat, trying to regain some of his confidence by pulling the corners of his lips up in a vain attempt to offer some relief.

"So you just came from seeing him?" She motioned toward the entrance.

"Yeah just uh…" he began as he rubbed the back of his neck anxiously, "finishing up some last minute details. How about you? Everyone in for Friday?"

"Yeah, Ruby and Ashley are gonna spend the night at our place."

"So it turns out a lot of people thing we're dating." He realized his statement was strange and abrupt, but couldn't help the fact that it had already spilled out his mouth into the void between them.

"I'm beginning to get that impression as well."

"Really?" He squinted, as though the sun became suddenly too bright.

"Yeah, Ruby gave me the third degree about it at the diner yesterday morning. Of course I set her straight."

"Oh, me too."

Thick, cold air filled his lungs and made his chest feel as if it was about to explode.

"Well I should—"

"Yeah, me too."

They exchanged an awkward smile and continued on their paths, making sure not to bump into one another a second time.

After donning his helmet and mounting his bike, August glimpsed into his rear-view mirror at Emma as she approached the entrance. He kicked the engine to life and snuck another quick look, just in time to see her pull open the door and glance back at him.