Hello,
Sorry I have been late in putting this up - that sick relative was my nan, who died and so I just haven't had the will or motivation to do anything these past few days - plus a funeral to attend and helping to sot out her house left me with not a lot of time.
But its here - the first chapter of any of my stories I have mustered the effort to write. So I hope everyone enjoy it.
I don't own OUAT.
PS - still no spelling correct so any mistakes I apologize for in advance.
"Are you sure he's coming"
August turned to look at the woman at his side. Her boredom easily read on her face and sighed. Ever since that day she had found him in Hong Kong he had insisted they stick together, as much as he felt out of sorts with how she had known who he was since he had never met her before in his life – she was the only one he had met that wasn't in America.
But right now he was regretting bringing her along to the meeting, a feeling he had experienced not for the first time throughout their journeying. He hadn't at the time – but a few days in when they had been talking and making plans, he began to realize that out of all the people from the forest he had met, she was going to be the most difficult.
His deductions were right. He had witnessed her being rude to practically everyone they met, her vocabulary was louder and extensively more cruder then his was, had an attitude that boarded on haughty to the point of arrogance, mocked those around her and if there had been no one around to belittle – had been the recipient of her more creative insults.
At times he wondered why he had ever suggested travelling with each other. He would have had a hell of an easier life if he had decided to go his separate way.
It was her knowledge that he guessed was why he stuck around. He didn't know how, but she was smart when it came to enchanted forest. He had been curious as to how she knew so much, especially about curses when he brought them up – she didn't know about this one – only that it was the biggest one she had come across much less be a victim of which gave him pause as to wonder just who it was he was travelling with.
But for all his digging and pestering, he could never get more than what she told him, and that wasn't very much. All he knew was her name and that she came from a Village West of the Forbidden Mountain, other than that she was a brick wall. Being careful to never reveal what he could work with.
He got that she was a magic user. Or at least had teachings in the subject for the times he did catch her on a good mood and she divulged information. They had flown back to America as he told her that was where he met Emma. He noted she didn't flinch or look the least bit guilty when he told her the life she had.
Guess what she said about the blonde was true.
But he couldn't dwell on that. They had returned to the states to carry on their search and for him to make sure Emma was ready to break the curse when she needed to, personally Regina didn't see why it was the other woman who had to be the one, any of them could have a chance as none of them had been affected like the rest had, surely they had the same ability to break the spell.
He didn't have an answer but he said that it had to be her. She gave up after a while not caring after that… just as long as she led them back to her family, the blonde could dress up in a cape and call herself Swan girl for as much interest she had in her life. She also had her own reasoning for wanting to go back to America seeing as Australia was no longer an option.
She didn't tell the other man. But she had been thinking and her strongest theory was that wherever the rest where – they were in America, it made her searching the other places moot but she had been taking in all he had said and the fact that the baby turned young adult, and another who he had mentioned - had all been in the place they had first learnt once realizing they were in a different world, it made her think that they had been here all along.
She just never looked hard enough.
Months later, all her work and effort would pay off in the form of a small boy who in Boston. She read in the paper that he was found wandering the road near the coast line in Maine, crying for his father and on getting him to talk finally - spoke of a town he and his dad had visited. It was small and not well known, in fact they had found it by accident and when they had left only to get into a car crash some way down the road, he tried to go back but found the town no longer where he had seen it.
She dropped the paper and rushed to tell August, who smiled at the welcoming news. To the rest who just thought him a tearful and sad boy who had simply misplaced his steps, to them … it was the answer they had finally been waiting for.
She had busied herself with trying to find out more about Maine. About the towns that resided there and the places boy said he had been close to, if she could get the locations down to a workable point on the map – it would make pinpointing the spot he had found the town easier.
She had noted, also with some curiosity and some suspicion. August more restless than usual, he seemed anxious as the days went past. It had been nearing the twenty eighth year now – she didn't know why that was so monumental but to him it seemed so, it was why she was confused on him coming from the other room that Thursday morning telling he was going to meet someone.
He didn't say who and the look on her face had him asking rather than inviting if she wanted to come along, something told him he wouldn't be going alone anyhow and sighed when she agreed, hence why they were now waiting on fifth street by the curb in New York.
"He'll be here, he said he would."
She shook her head and blew out a small breath, leaning against the side of her car before looking the other way. He looked around before sitting on the seat of his bike – why she had a car he didn't know. He had many a time offered her the back seat on his bike – so much faster but she refused, saying in no lifetime – ever would she sit on the back of a bike… especially with him at the handlebars.
Just one of the many insults over the years and so he learnt to brush it off before leaving her to her car. Sometime later, when she was contemplating how many hotdogs she could get away with eating before he made a remark she heard him stand from his bike and turned to see him looking the other way.
Leaning up a little she frowned at the sight of a broad looking man – about 5'10 – 5'11 coming towards them. She eyed him top to bottom as he approached, he had dark brown hair and a strong jawline… she lifted her head as he came to a stop in front of them.
"August,"
Her eyes flicked from one to the other at the sight of his nervous stance and his slightly reluctant way he greeted the other man… could there have been drama before she met him perhaps? August greeted the brown haired man with a nod.
"Bealfire"
Bealfire's eyes widened before his eyes trailed to the left of him to her, and were even more alarmed when he noticed her staring directly at them before back to August again.
"What the hell!"
Holding a hand to stop his protests he shook his head. "It's fine. She's from our world, like us she comes from the enchanted forest." Brown eyes dart back to her once more this time with slight puzzlement and wonder, before like her own; they gaze over with slight unease as he nodded lightly.
"So who are you?"
She inhaled at the direct question before speaking. "My name is Regina."
He frowned a little at the short reply, as he glanced at the sandy haired man for more explanation only to see him shake his head. "Wouldn't bother – you won't get any more than that trust me."
Not happy but having to accept, he gave her one last look and she smirked at the distrust that resurfaced back in his eyes before he finally started talking about why they had met up.
Eventually they had all migrated to the nearest café. To appease her hunger and stop her pestering before they sat at the end booth to talk more privately.
With her plate of practically everything fried, Regina settled down not seeing the look of slight revulsion and a little awe at the size of her dish as she picked up her fork. August too gave her plate a look, it was nothing new to him one of the things he had noted about the raven haired woman, was that she ate like a garbage disposal but never gained any weight, it was both maddening and fascinating.
Knowing that he would have at least fifteen minutes… maybe twenty if she got desert, he turned round to Bealfire and began talking. Sometime into the conversation he asked if he could use his other name and she looked up on hearing his other name.
"Must have been a hell of a journey from Hong Kong"
August thinks back to all the times he nearly wanted to throw himself from something tall of fast moving as he hears the woman at the side of him devour her dinner and nods resigned, his life was infinitely more easier on his own.
"You've looked better." He is about to reply when a snort has him stopping. Both men turn to look at her as she smirks at them. "What."
"He's looked better - are you kidding? Do you know what I've had to put up with for the past few weeks? I've looked better, in fact I have been better – or rather would have if not his bloody bitching most days."
Neal is silent as he looks to August who looks slightly tense. His jaw is locked firm and his eyes are hard as he sighs and pulls his wallet out. He shoves a twenty in her hand as she looks to him confused.
"Here – just go… get something sweet and stay over there would you." She opens her mouth to respond but then turns her head to the door where the picture of the triple empire state sundae is on offer for anyone who wanted to have a go and grins.
Challenge accepted.
He lets out a sigh as she slides from the booth and over to ask the waitress leaving them alone. He turns to find Neal's brows arched high. "Don't ask.
"I wasn't really… but where the hell did you find her?" He sighs and shakes his head before going into the short version of how they had met. Neal listens intently as his minds goes over what he says.
"So she knew who you were just by what? Sniffing you,"
August nods. "Knew who I was and what kind of wood Father used - whereabouts in the forest it came from to." Once again he doesn't say anything, but he is impressed. He gives the woman now perched at the counter another small look.
"And you still don't know who she is," Watching his open his mouth he quickly adds. "Other than her name that is…"
"No, she won't say. Just that she lived near the forbidden mountain in a small village. Believe me I've tried, but she's good at keeping everything in – not even a misplaced word to go on."
Pursing his lips, Neal ponders on the small mystery but is interrupted by August, who looks at him with worry in his eyes. "There is another reason why we met you today."
"Oh?" He nods licking his lips before carrying on. "I'm turning back to wood, Neal."
The dark haired man lifts his head a little at the sudden news. "So… that mean's Emma's close to breaking the curse" The thought of the blonde sends a pang shooting through his chest but he ignores it as August looks to where Regina is before back to him. He hadn't told the woman about the blonde being in the cursed town, kept it to himself knowing her stance on the saviour.
"You're going there, aren't you?" He watches him nod. "I got to help her. It's the only way to stop from what's happening to me."
Hearing that Neal sighs and rubs his hand over his face, "You do realize doing that will bring my father looking for me? He's gonna remember and come looking."
The other man tilts his head knowing all about his issue with the man. "Flip side if this works out … you get to see Emma again." Neal let out a sharp bark of self-deprecating laughter before shaking his head.
"Not sure she wants to see me… Again… ever," August tipped his head. "Well, you never know."
His only response was another tired sigh. It was that moment Regina joins them; she slides back into her seat next to him as they noticed the pleased smirk adorning her face.
"What."
"Nailed it," On their confused faces she points her thumb in the direction of the now empty sundae glass on the desk as the waitress stares at it with wide eyes.
"So much for a challenge, two and a half minutes flat." Once again they could only stare as she lets out a sigh and leans back, satisfied at her accomplishment.
"Did I at least get change?" The look he gets tells him he's both wrong and stupid. "Now what do you think?"
They make their way out, Regina declining the picture to put on the wall of fame as she joins them outside. Neal stands with his coffee to go as August swings his leg over his bike, helmet in his hand as he turns back to him. At the side of them Regina is opening the door to her car.
The door shuts as she gets her sunglasses from the glove compartment. Once she's ready she starts the car before beeping her horn. August looks at her before sighing and starting his bike. Stepping back the other man watches as he revs the engine.
"When the curse is broken, I'll send you a postcard." With that Neal watches as he revs the engine once more before riding off, followed a few seconds later by Regina as she eases from the curb and they set off down the street. He watches as they disappear into traffic before turning and bumping into the woman he would come to know as Tamara.
They split up near Times Square; if he wanted to plan for the trip to Maine then he had to get more money and supplies so he gives her a list of things to get as they go in separate directions. Once she has gone he stops near the edge of the park and pulls out a small piece of paper. It's something he had kept for a while now. – Something he didn't tell Regina about.
Unfolding the sheet and lifting it slightly. He starts to read the last thing he has on Emma Swan – not on the blonde herself, but rather what she had and gave up.
The little baby boy
On getting back to the states he had lost track of her once her term in jail was over. Without anything to go on he got in touch with the Arizona prison he knew she had been sent to as he and the other woman was in passing, he was merely inquiring if they had any information on her whereabouts perhaps – like some correctional facilities did when trying to turn around convicts.
He was calm, well-mannered and didn't once give anything away as he spoke to them. What he didn't expect was for the warden to tell him about the baby she had a few months into her sentence. He was stunned, and on thinking back knew for certain that it could only have been one mans, but when the warden asked if he was the father trying to track down the by now – small child.
He saw it as an opportunity to try and find out more about the little boy. All he was told was that it was a closed adoption and so posing as Neal he asked if he had anything that might have been left by social services that had been in the facility to organize the adoption. He sighed when the older man shook his head, but did tell him about the peculiar man who came to collect the little baby.
Was in his mid-forties maybe early fifties, had a slight limp and used a cane to walk with – was as charming as they came… oddly so for a simple man of the state.
When August asked if he knew his name… to get in touch with him – he did have to act like a wronged parent after all, all he man knew was that he went by the name of Gold, a name that didn't strike a chord with the once wooden boy.
With nothing else to go on he thanked the man who wished he could have helped more but did give him the last little bit of information he did have about the incident and wished him all the best in trying to make a connection with the child if he ever found him, that paper he had kept with him right up until that moment.
He only had a hunch that she might have gone looking for the boy – changed her mind and wanted to know who he was, be in his life – he didn't know. But from what he had heard from Neal about who his father was, and the man that had been the social worker that day in the prison, again it was only his theory but he had begun to think.
Was Gold and Neal's father one and the same? Had he somehow known about Emma's baby and had took him back to wherever the town was… could he even get out of town. So many questions and all unlikely but with the dark one it was impossible to tell what he could do, so knew the only way he was going to get any answers was by finding the town once and for all.
It takes them two days but finally they are ready to leave New York. If August was twitchy with anticipation Regina was brimming with nervous energy, something she hadn't felt in a long while. But she could tell, this time – in her heart that this was it – this time they would come out the other side successful.
The drive out of the city is long but eventually they make it to the open road and East. They didn't really have a cover story as to why they were travelling so far from where they lived. He wanted to go as far as they could before stopping for the night, something she agreed with and so they drove straight for 6 hours, stopping only for gas before finally the night.
Checking into two rooms – something she had always insisted on she puts her things in her room before coming to his as he settles on the end of the bad and looks at the map she has out on the table.
"The kid said that he and his dad crashed near someplace between Storybrooke and a place called rocky peaks. Now I've looked and those are near a place called Ellsworth… on their way to the Acadia national park. Now given he said it was a coastal town, I've been looking it over and have narrowed down the possible places it could be… and."
She turns the map round as he sits upright. "By my reckoning, Storybrooke could be anywhere from Trenton all the way up to bar harbour,"
He stares at the map. They don't seem that far away and with the coordinates she had painstakingly spent time researching and written down, he felt that they could really find this town and so looks to her smiling.
"We're getting closer."
The smile he gets in return is one of genuine and not the slightly fearing one that came just before something bad like he was used to. They spend a little more going over what they've got and eventually come up with a mini plan before retiring for the night, she nods to him before leaving the room as he gets ready for bed before moving under the sheets.
Looking up at the ceiling, he contemplates what could happen once they reach Storybrooke. If the curse was already breaking then what would that mean for him once he reaches that line? Would he go back to being normal or would he turn completely wooden again? He didn't know and he guessed that only time and the full effects once it broke would tell.
He reached over and shut off the light bathing the room in darkness.
"I told you to take the right!"
They had been travelling for hours now, they had been searching for three days, going to all the places on her list that the little boy might have visited and tried to work out where he might have stumbled across the town. The first two attempts they had no luck and so with each failure they moved on.
It would have been easier of course to just feel for the line – the one point were the earth felt lifted, the air smelt weird… but do to that she would need to sniff out the magic.
There was no magic in the place – she had known that for twenty eight years, so the chances of finding a curse created town was zero to minus ten. The only reason she had sniffed out the chunk of walking wood because he was magically introverted of sorts… plus he was already turning back to his natural form when she had met him it just made it easier for her to work out who he was.
But here she was looking for nothing – literally. Anyone who happened upon the place had been lost and unfortunately for them they had directions. She sighed and kept her hands on the wheel as he looked at the map, the day was already pissing her off and his complaining didn't help things.
"Oh just because I accidently backed into your bike, you're going to be like this all day are you." He snorted and turned to her, his eyes narrowed.
"Oh accidentally, was it… you've hated that bike for ages just say it – you pulled back deliberately." She turned to glare at him, her own eyes thin with anger at his comments.
"You know, I don't think I like your insinuations. So just remember, this car might have locks but that can easily be undone."
"Really? Turning violent already, I thought that didn't happen until at least three." She gave him a sharp grin as she leaned closer mindful of the road.
"I can make an exception were your concerned August, you know that." The smile dropped as she sat back. "So just sit back and shut up. We left it at a good mechanics didn't we?"
"Regina. A guy, who used to hotwire bikes when he was younger, doesn't count as a good mechanic… the fact he got caught says he isn't a very good anything."
The half shrug he got made him huff in agitation. "Hmm – what do you want me to say? He said he knew bikes and could have it running again in a few days or so… why are you bitching."
He spluttered unlike him for a couple of seconds before running a hand over his face. "You left my bike… with who the hell knows. What if he stripped it for parts? We're driving away from what could be the last chance I see my baby again."
Rubbing the crease between her brows the raven haired woman sighed, almost like the conversation was causing her grievance. "If anything, it was you that left it with the man… I merely stated that it shouldn't have been behind my car in the first place."
"The only reason why I had to leave it was because you were driving from the motel without me." He faced her angrily once more as she smirked.
"Now aren't you glad I didn't?"
He didn't speak. He couldn't, she was infuriating… plain and simple. Turning he lifted his leg so it was on the dashboard and placed his head on one hand shaking it.
"Unbelievable." As if to agree, though for entirely different reasons she nodded her head sagely. "I know."
They kept driving for another two hours until August noticed something. "Hey"
Regina had been in her own little world before he reached over and tapped her arm. "What." He nodded to the road as she followed his line of sight.
"What?"
"We've been driving now for at least three hours altogether, have you noticed that we haven't come across another car or a side diner… anything."
She looked back to the road, her eyes now calculating as she glanced from one side to the other. Now that he mentioned it, he looks and waits as she shakes her head.
"No…" She starts to speak but trails off as she reaches the conclusion he is hinting and turns back to him. "You think we're on the right path."
He smiles and nods. "Didn't the little boy mention the town to be near isolated?" She smiles wider now as he chuckles and looks to the road only to yell as he sees something in the middle.
"REGINA, WOLF!"
She snaps her head to the front. Sure enough in front of them is a grey wolf. The animal is standing in the very middle as it turns its head to the oncoming car. Not at all bothered at how fast its going as she swerves to avoid hitting it and it watches as they go past, screeching to a stop a couple of feet away.
Inside the car both are breathing heavy as her foot stays firmly on the brake pedal. Licking his lips to wet them he glances out the window to see the wolf still staring at them.
"What the fuck!"
She spat out having gotten her bearings and is now angry. Glaring through the rear-view mirror eyeing the animal with distaste before reaching for the handle and pushing the door open. Doing the same he moves to stand with her at the back as she inspects the side of the Mercedes, looking for damage as he turns to watch the wolf further.
It strange that it hasn't moved. In fact, he wasn't sure if it was just the near miss with the car. But he could have sworn he saw something flicker within the amber coloured eyes as the animal took to staring back, at his side he can vaguely hear Regina muttering about stupid dogs without leashes and lifts his arm to get her attention again.
"Regina."
"Somebody needs to get the bloody pest control, just walking all over the road."
"Regina."
"Could have ruined my beloved… mangy flea ridden beast."
"REGINA!"
Finally hearing him she hefts herself to her feet and spins to look at him. "WHAT!" Without speaking he nods back to the wolf as she looks to where he is looking and her lip curls.
"It's still here?" He nods "Yeah."
"Well, what does it want?" Turning to look, she glances at the wolf that is watching them carefully. A small lump rises unbidden in her throat as the more she now looks the more the creature reminds her of her best friend, the one she had not seen in near thirty years before looking away and back to her car.
"I don't know… but where do you think it came from."
She shrugs. "Beats me."
"Looks like it just came from nowhere." He says turning back. There was something about this wolf that had him intrigued. It seemed intelligent –though he knew wolves to be – in order to get food and such they had to think and work together, but this one seemed oddly so… like it was staring at them because…
Like he knew they were coming. It seemed illogical, how could a wolf know who they were much less known of their destination. But as it stared at them… he was sure.
"I think he wants us to follow him."
With her back to him she only hears half his words but when she does, she stiffens and slowly turns to him. "…Repeat that please."
"Look, I know I sound crazy."
"Didn't even have to open my mouth." He held up his hand. "But look, it's clear he's still here for something… what if he knows."
She doesn't reply. Simply eyes him for a moment as he looks back. Finally her eyes move past him as they land back on the still waiting wolf. The two face off for a few minutes… like a silent conversation of sorts before she sighs.
"Fine… let's follow a wild wolf, let see if he actually does led us somewhere." Her tone was one of resignation but her face said she did think and will forever hold him responsible if anything went wrong. He nodded grateful she didn't put up more of a fuss as they made as he made his way to the side door he vaguely heard her mutter something along the lines of 'lost and 'sides of cliffs'
But she followed him back to the car. She made sure to take care as she reversed and turned back so she was facing the wolf that was still waiting for them. Once it saw that they were willing to follow it set off up the road as they watched it go. She let out a sigh and shook her head before putting the car into drive.
"It's a dam good thing this part is deserted." Before she set off down the road after as he turned to look at her, "Why."
"That way when we do end up getting lost, all because we blindly followed one of nature's more cunning beasts… there won't be anyone to witness me killing and dumping your body." She said with a flourish before giving him a cheery grin.
They lazily drift the road as the wolf now had taken to going back to the sides and was now moving in and out of the trees. In fact if it weren't for her good eyesight they would have lost the animal completely.
"Ok this is stupid." They had been tailing the wolf for half an hour… something she found ridiculous to begin with, but the fact that it was leading them back to the last town was annoying her, she knew she shouldn't have listened to him… clearly this curse was effecting more than just his limbs.
"No – you know what I've just realized?" He turned to look at her. "I'm the one with the car, and I say, we're going back to our original plan… following this mutt – that's clearly laughing at us, to a place that possibly might kill us… "
She shakes her head and stops the car all intent on turning it around. August goes to argue but stops as he notices something, peering past her he narrows his gaze to something that he was sure wasn't there before. He did remember the way down and he was certain that it was new.
"You just better hope we have enough gas, otherwise you're pushing us to the next town." She sighs and looks over her shoulder, feeling both angry and annoyed at having wasted time.
"That wasn't there before, was it?" Closing her eyes in agitation. She counts to ten in the hopes of minimizing the anger that is slowly building in her stomach, before turning to him.
"What."
Nodding he doesn't reply. He could see how pissed off she was getting and just hoped to whatever was listening that the wolf had actually been leading them somewhere… he knew she was serious in all her threats and so smiled hoping to placate her as she sneered and turned to look, his relief grew when her face dropped from derisive to confusion as she spies the off track road that was leading through the middle of the forest.
"That wasn't there before."
His smile nearly splits his face, made even more so by the wolf, as it steps out onto the track. It looks at them for a few seconds before yipping.
"I think he wants us to follow him down."
"How do you know it's a he?" He shrugs. He doesn't - it just looks like a male and shrugging once more she rolls her eyes, she may no longer have felt like he was moronic for following a wild wolf who might have just be that tad bit smarter than his other fellow canines. But that didn't mean he still wasn't leading them possibly to their deaths.
"Well – go big or go home as they say…" She flicks the indicator before turning left as she drives the car off the main road and onto the new one. The wolf yips again and took off trotting up ahead, "Or in this case, get lost and possibly die."
They slowly make their way up the track – the wolf having gone back to running through the trees, August looks to his right and smiles as he spots the sight that further makes him believe that he was right to have trusted to animal.
"Look."
Turning to see what he was staring at, she couldn't help but smile at the sight of the sea. The large body of water that symbolized the growing hope and excitement that had crept its way into their chests. They make sure to keep sight of the wolf that was slipping in and out of sight as they follow the narrow strip of road that seemed to stretch for miles in front of them.
With the fact that nothing was in sight. She was all for speeding up, maybe it would take less time if she simply ignored the limits – there were no cops around after all that would pull her over and she was just about to shift the clutch looking down when she heard him breath in sharply.
She lifted her head as her eyes widened. Coming to a sharp stop, she ignored the slight dig of the belt that dug into her chest as she stepped on the brake.
"Holy fuck."
He didn't reply. Simply nodded as they both looked on to what they could see in the distance – the small town that had not been in sight seconds before as she gazes to the tops of the buildings before looking a little closer to the sign just up ahead.
"Welcome to Storybrooke."
This was it. After spending years searching. So many countless hours going from place to place - from one dead end to the other in the vain hopes of finding something… it all ended today.
None of them spoke as they read the sign for the second time. The more they read the words the more it sunk in… they had finally made it.
She was going to find her family. She was going to see her best friend again – they were so close now she knew it was silly as before she couldn't, but now it was almost like she could feel them close by.
"Well it would appear white fang was better than any map we could have worked out." He casts a glance to her, it may have sounded snarky but the smile cancelled out any dryness she might have spoken… she was just excited to have found the one place that had been lost to them for so long, they both where.
He could see his dad again. Get the curse removed and once more be a solid flesh and blood man…
She could finally see her family – the two people who meant more to her than anything.
Looking behind he frowns as he doesn't see the wolf anywhere, it had vanished. "Where did he go?"
She looked at him before glancing fleetingly over her shoulder to try and find the furry canine. But she too couldn't find him, even with her eyesight and so shrugged.
"Maybe he went back home or something." He eyed the small clearing trying to see any traces of him but it was like he was never there and so pursed his lips wondering. But before he could dwell any more, Regina had shifted the clutch down once more and without waiting started driving forwards, she wasn't wasting any more time and so left the fact that the wolf had gone behind.
They drive downwards past the first building and onwards as they take in the sight of the town that was stuck underneath the curse.
"Where's the first stop."
He looked around before catching sight of the diner sign above the building a couple of feet ahead and nodded his head. "There."
She looked to see what he was aiming at and tilted her head before snorting lightly "How quaint." As she slowly brought the car to a slow before finally parking. None of them speak for a moment, the weight of just where they were hitting as now the fact they had made it to their destination brought a new set of issues to face.
"Well… we didn't come all this way just to take in the fresh air," He smirked lightly before nodding. He had to do this… needed to do this and so following her already out the car, he made his way round to the front as he peers at the diner in front of them.
Without any more preamble he reaches for the door first as he holds it open before walking in behind her, the bell above told the patrons of their arrival. They freeze on seeing the looks of the many faces inside. Glancing around she can see a mixture of the eyes taking them in.
Curious to the puzzlement… one short man sitting at the counter giving them what she could only describe as a sceptical glance, why would he be doing that? A small squeeze on her elbow had her turning to see August moving past her and into the nearest empty booth. She moves to join him and slides across from his seat.
They take the next few minutes to rest and gather their thoughts before shuffling had August looking to see a young brunette smiling pleasantly at them.
"Good afternoon,"
He smiled lightly and nodded. Regina lifted her hand a little her eyes still closed. The waitress looks at her for a few seconds before shaking off the slight abrasive way of greeting as she spoke again.
"Can't say I've seen you here before, passing through?"
At that Regina opens her eyes as she lifts her head back from the rest to look at him. They had made it this far without having to give too much of a story as to their destination, but now they were here what could they say? It wasn't as if they were leaving anytime soon.
"Actually visiting my father," He speaks before she can, turning to the other woman who smiles wider. "It's been a while so I thought… well; we thought we would pay him a visit."
"Oh that's sweet, anyone I might know?" He paused at that, Regina scrunched her nose at the nosiness of the younger woman as he tries to think of something. He knew his father's name back in the forest – everyone knew of him, but here he hadn't a clue of what his cursed name might be and so hesitates in answering,
The waitresses smile dips a little on seeing his face as her eyes narrow slightly. He's starting to worry when loud coughing had them both looking to see Regina holding her chest. The raven haired woman is holding the side of the table and her other hand over where her lungs would be as she coughs louder.
Her coughs garner some attention as a few of the customers turn to look as the younger brunette moves quickly to help. "Miss, are you ok."
Lowering her head she holds up her hand in a bid to wave her off but from her lashes August can see a clear pointed look sent his way, and all at once he knew what she was doing as he catches on to her plan and looks back to the concerned worker.
"Could she get some water please? Sometimes this happens and she left her inhaler in the car." Turning to him she sees his brows slightly arched and nods once more, made certain by the extra loud wheeze Regina emits.
"Yes… of course." Before turning and rushing to the back he watches her go as slowly he nods and her coughs get weaker before ceasing altogether, she lifts her head slightly a thoughtful look now taking over the panicked one second's ago as she looks at him.
"That is a good question; do you actually know anything about this town before we arrived?"
He scowls a little before shifting in his seat. aware of the others still watching he shakes his head a little and makes to speak before she can react.
"No, but I do know that Emma is defiantly here… that she needs our help in breaking this curse before whoever cast it finds out what our plan is."
Both slightly annoyed and weirdly bemused, she arches her brow before shaking her head. "I'm sorry – us? There is no us when it comes to breaking this thing."
On seeing his confused look she carries on or is about to when the waitress come's rushing back, water in hand as she reaches their table. Giving him one more look she places her hand back on her chest and the other at her throat just as the younger woman moves to her again.
"Here."
Holding out the water Regina gives her a grateful look and accepts the glass. Now that she knows he didn't really have a game plan she felt in the mood for something much stronger, but had to drink what was given as under watch by the brunette who had not taken her eyes off her until she removes the glass from her lips.
"Better?"
Not speaking Regina nods giving her another smile as she places the glass down. "Much. Thank you." The other woman nods happily as August goes to speak – now that her first train of conversation was cut short thanks to the distraction it's easy for him to move on as he places his order before Regina follows suit and watches as she leaves.
"I'm not sure if I was clear in my intentions when I found you those many years ago, we may have wanted to find the town… but for very different reasons. I merely to find my family, whilst it's clear you only wanted to find it for personal reasons… if helping the saviour fixes that, then it is on you – to help her along the way, not I."
He stared at her in silence at her revelation. She sips her water not perturbed by the pissed look he was giving her until he sighed. He knew he should have expected this. She had been adamant from the start she had no interest in Emma anyway shape or form, so helping her was out of the question entirely.
But what to do – she had a deeper knowledge then he did on curses and it would have made it easier for him if she did help… but it was plain to see they had their own agendas – and on reaching the town they split down a path. He knew they would still be sticking together for a little while as they figured the town out– but for now – his task of getting Emma to destroy the curse was down to him.
He nodded conceding to the fact she wouldn't be helping as she smiled, happy that they had that out the way. Their food arrives a little while later and they make small talk – now they were here, they needed a place to stay as he didn't know how long it would take for Emma to break the curse, he also had no idea how she would react to seeing him again.
It had been quite a few years and knowing the blonde like he did. She would be suspicious off the bat. It wasn't like he was a legit professional of anything after all, he was a con artist through and through and so once she got wind of him having made his way to town – the same one she happened to be in after a lengthy absence… it was bound to cause more problems than he needed.
What he needed to do was find someplace cheap and make a start on his plans. If he couldn't let Emma see him yet then he would have to work around the blonde, starting with her son – if he could make good with him and get him thinking, then maybe it would give him the time to figure out how he was going to reveal himself without getting kicked out of town.
He glanced at Regina, who was picking apart her garlic bread and wondered what her plans would be – she hadn't been exactly forthright with her own intentions – he knew she wanted to find her family but she was as sneaky as him most days so figured this would be one of the few times she would be with him before going off on her own.
He was also curious as to how she would act when she came face to face with the other woman. All she knew was that Emma had to be here to break the curse, but she had assumed the blonde would arrive on her own time… she never asked the specifics on how that was to be of course as she didn't care.
It wasn't like he had told her either – so was a little apprehensive when she would learn that the saviour had in fact reached the town before them. She also wasn't the best when keeping discrete about her dislike of those around her, and having been very clear on her thoughts of Emma. He was torn between wanting to be there so he could stop her from giving the game away before she was ready as more than likely she would be verbally abusing the blonde, or far away so her ire didn't turn on him on the realization that he must have known and deliberately kept it to himself.
He sighed internally and placed another bite in his mouth. Between the pain in his body, the lack of solid plans and a very tentative minefield across from him – he really wanted to just get some rest. Once they had finished eating the split the bill before getting ready to leave- there had to be an inn around here and so stood, ready to leave just as the waitress walks back to them.
"Was everything to your liking?"
They look at her before nodding. She smiles widely before taking back the menus and the money he hands over to her. She steps out of the way so Regina can leave the seat still watching as they pick up their jackets, reaching the door first, she looks back to find him looking around the bar before back to the waiting server.
"You wouldn't happen to know any inns do you? It's just that it's late and knowing my dad he will probably be in bed." He smiles sheepishly, giving her a half grin that most women have found charming as she takes in his disarming smile and nods.
"W… H… Yes… I mean – yes, I do know where one is." She laughs a little nervously as Regina rolls her eyes, her hand lingering on the door as she inhales deeply. They look back to her as he tilts his head a little before shaking it and looking back at the younger woman who is still looking at him.
"If you could tell us we would be grateful." He smiles again keeping her silent as he waits. It takes a few seconds but soon she realizes he asked a question and stands straighter and nods once more.
"Of course." Turning her head she looks to wall for something before looking back. Her mouth splitting smile in place as she replies. "Here."
He looks around at her answer wondering if she was replying to something else when she carried on. "Grannies is a B&B as well as a diner, it actually is lucky we have a few rooms left so if you like I could tell her… she's in the back."
A little stunned at the sudden fact he is silent for a few seconds before finding his voice and nodding. "Please, if that is alright."
She smiles before turning and walks to the back in the kitchen, to speak to the owner of the diner as Regina moves to stand by him. "Well, if that isn't just convenient… perhaps this town is built on wishes as well as curses."
He turns to look at her just as she returns still smiling with the news that Granny would be happy to have them stay. Regina looks to the closed door of the kitchen. It hadn't escaped her that the name Granny was what Agnes was called back in the forest. A nickname of endearment she and Ruby had gotten used to calling her that many a time and so wondered if it was the same person.
She hoped so as that would make her searching so much easier, if Granny was around then chances are Ruby wasn't too far away… at least that was her theory as they quickly got themselves two rooms before she moved back to the door, this time to get the bags from her car leaving him to pay.
She never did see the matron of the business as the younger woman showed them to their rooms but she had time. Bidding him goodnight and handing him his bags she sank onto the bed once in her room and relished the comfort of the mattress. The day had been long but at long last she was here.
Smiling to no one she allowed the fact to sink in… she had made it – somewhere in this town, Maleficent was and soon she would see her. Looking to the door of the bathroom she debated on a shower but the tiredness that had been kept at bay suddenly took over and was there to stay. So she got changed into her shirt and shorts before moving under then sheets.
Now that they were here she hoped that the rest of her plan went much quicker as she closed her eyes. Finding the blonde was only one half of her goal, she had other issues that needed sorting that didn't just involve figuring out what happened to her family.
She also wanted to know how to get her magic back – and to let the dragon out.
It had been hell - twenty eight years to be exact. On not being able to change, it had left her not only feeling partly empty but also racked with pains that had her crippled at times… much like August but she didn't know whose was worse. She hoped being here would give her the answers she needed to be able to change that as she settled down into the sheets.
For the first time since coming to the land without magic, she slowly drifted asleep content with the knowledge that soon her waiting would be over.
This time for good.