Six months, 13 days and 3 hours later.
"Miss Thorne?" the timid PA asked round the corner of the door. "Mr Overton is here for the 11:30 meeting"
"Thank you, Nicole. I'll be five minutes" the woman said.
Christian Thomas Overton sat down in the empty conference room, and took a sip out of the tall glass of water in front of him. There was silence apart from the methodical ticking of the clock coming from the wall in front of him. When the hand flicked down to exactly half past, the door opened. A young woman, with glasses and auburn hair in a tight neat bun walked in. She looked smart, with simple diamond earrings and a black suit on. She sat down, placing her file in front of her.
"Welcome to the business, Mr Overton"
"Welcome? Sidi incorporations haven't decided to merge with your business yet, Miss Thorne" he said, running a hand through his silver hair.
"Oh really" she gave a dry laugh "Well, that's not going to last long. Now, here's the presentation" she said, leaning forward. "Oh, and you can call me Aurelia"
Aurelia walked to her car, beeping it open and walking in. On the drive back, she stopped off to pick up her takeaway Chinese and drove to her flat. She smiled, relieved that Mr Overton had been extremely impressed with her communication and business skills.
She balanced her files and the Chinese in one hand as she opened her flat door with the keys in the other, flicking the light switch on with her elbow.
Home.
It was a small, dingy flat but it was all her own. Besides, with the salary she was getting, she' be moving somewhere much better soon.
A small furry animal rubbed against her legs. The neighbourhood cat had taken a liking to her.
She sighed, walking to the small grey kitchen. She sat on her only chair, and started to eat her meal in the poorly lit, silent flat. She finished it, looking around. The walls were bare, one of them looked like mould or something coming through. Her yellow floor clashed horrible with the grey tiles. The fridge was on its last legs and her bed was softer than the mattress upon it. But she had slowly realised something, the terrible dawn of realisation finally crept up on her as she stared at the ugly yellow kitchen floor. Even if she lived in a beautiful mansion, eating all the food she wanted, with fast cars and expensive TVs, she wouldn't be happy.
She was, however, content. A good job, fairly decent flat and she had made some new friends. She know worked her way up and owned a business, had daily cups of tea with her slightly batty neighbour Sarah, and was living comfortably.
Walking to her small chest of draws, her pale hand wandered over the jumpers, blouses, skirts or every item of clothing that she had slaved for. The candles and the pictures, her jewellery and perfumes, all accumulated after she had faced work bullies, long days and a lot of stress. But she didn't cry. She hadn't cried since the day she left Storybrooke. And she was proud of that, Aurelia felt less weak. She hadn't lost her memory like she thought she would. But she'd still left. it had taken a while, but she was proud of the life she was building up here. And nothing exciting ever happened. At first, it was lovely. Peace and quiet. but it grew mundane, boring. Here she wass,a young woman eating a dinner for one in a shitty flat, and the highlight of her night would be watching some TV and going to bed early.
Her phone rang, and swallowed a mouthful of rice, she answered.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Aurelia, it's me- um, Jim" The male voice announced
She frowned. Jim worked with her, a fairly nice albeit boring, guy. He did his work, and didn't complain.
"Oh hey, what's up?" she said, leaning back.
"I was just um wondering if you'd maybe possibly- If you wanted to I mean- go to dinner with me tomorrow night?"
Aurelia looked at the calendar on the fridge. It was a Wednesday. Friday was to be spent at the pub with some work friends, Saturday was round her friend Angela's, but Thursday night after work was free.
"Sure, that'd be lovely" she said.
"Really? Oh wow, great! Okay, is Italian okay for you?" he said, his voice more eager.
Aurelia rolled her eyes. Fairly cliché and she couldn't order spaghetti because it was a nightmare to eat.
"Italians great. I'll see you tomorrow, at nine?"
"Nines perfect, okay erm yes. I'll see you. Goodbye, bye"
Aurelia hung up, with a little smile. Jim wasn't the most exciting person ever, but he was fairly attractive, she got a free dinner and a couple hours of hopefully entertainment for her otherwise boring evening.
Aurelia wrote a note for her landlady, because she was coming over tomorrow for check-ups.
'Nora,
Tomorrow I will be at the Italian place round the corner about nine, if you're gone before then I'll see you next week.
Aurelia'
She stood, threw her rubbish in the bin and went to bed, falling fast asleep.
The next night, Aurelia sat down opposite Jim in the restaurant. It was lovely, with soft music in the background.
"You look lovely, by the way" Jim said over the drinks menu.
"Thank you" she murmured, considering the red wine. She was wearing a dark green dress with her curled hair pinned back slightly.
Unnoticed by Aurelia, four figures rushed into the restaurant.
"So… you come here often?" Jim asked Aurelia, his face completely serious. She burst out laughing. It was such a cliché sentence, and she touched his hand so he wouldn't be offended, peals of laughter coming out.
Killian stood, in the middle of a small Italian restaurant, in a strange city, surrounded by people he wasn't sure were his enemies or friends, looking at the love of his life and she held hands with a man, laughing.
"There she is! Let's go!" Mary Margaret exclaimed, but Hook pulled her back.
"We can't" he said
"Why on earth not?!" Ruby said "We've travelled this far"
"She's right, why not?" David asked.
"Look" Killian said, his teeth gritted. "She's happy. She left, because she wasn't, and I was selfish to think she'd be unhappy without me. We can't ruin her peace" he said.
"I don't know" Mary Margaret said "One of the reasons she left was because you didn't remember her, you do now" she said.
"And I miss her" Ruby added.
"You miss her? The last time I saw her she was dead, then suddenly it turns out I broke her heart! What about me?" Killian said, raising his voice "Look, I appreciate you've helped me, but in my honest opinion I think we need to leave."
"It's too late" David said.
They all turned.
Aurelia stood, wide-eyed, open mouthed, staring at the four people she'd never thought she'd see again.
"What's going on?" she said.
"Oh my god" Ruby said, smiling. The red-haired stood, shocked, her date staring from behind.
"Are you okay?" David asked, and Mary Margaret added "We found you"
Aurelia looked at the only person she needed to hear from, who hadn't spoken.
"Aurelia" he said.
"You remember me?" she said. He nodded. Aurelia wasn't aware of Jim watching her from behind, or half the restaurant going silent. She pushed through the tables, flying towards him, and hugged him. He held her tighter than anything she'd ever felt before, and they stood, embracing. Aurelia felt tears down her cheek as she smelt him, touched him.
"you're alive, you're alive" he murmured into her hair. She held onto him so tight.
"Um, Aurelia? What's going on?" Jim asked "Are you okay?"
"Who's this?" Killian said, trying not to be too threatening.
"He's a friend" Aurelia said, wiping the tears away.
"A friend? I thought…" Jim trailed off, looking at the floor
"God, no, oh I'm sorry Jim. Sorry, this is so surreal. Jim, you're a wonderful man, but I don't see you like that, I'm sorry. Now I have to escort these old friends back to my flat. I'll see you at work?" she said.
"But we haven't even started eating yet!" he said, gesturing the table. Killian gave him a look, and Jim looked down sheepishly, walking out.
Aurelia turned back. The short car ride was silent, and as they all piled into her flat, she felt self-conscious as they looked round the flat.
"It's lovely and cosy. The bathroom colours are nice" Ruby said.
"How have you seen my bathroom?" Aurelia said "We just got here"
"We were here earlier" David said "To sum it up, Gold wrote us a spell to find you, and it sent us here. We saw your note, and... Found you"
"Gold? That must've been a heavy price" She said. "Why did you decide now, after six months?"
"We started looking for you since you left, most attempts were unsuccessful" Mary Margaret said.
"I'm sorry" Aurelia said "I can't even begin to explain what was going through my head I was selfish, confused, I went a bit crazy. I'm sorry for leaving, it was cowardly of me"
"I don't think so" Ruby said "To start again, fresh, sounds brave. We're all just glad you're safe. Are you happy?"
"Um, I guess" Aurelia said "Good- very good job, this flat, a couple of friends. It's not so bad"
"So… Does that mean you're not coming home?" Mary Margaret said.
Aurelia looked at Killian. He still hadn't spoken.
"You're wearing jeans" she said. He nodded. "Looking normal suits you" she said.
"Thank you" he said, unable to look at her.
"Aurelia, I hate to rush you, but you have to decide now" Ruby interrupted. "The deal only lasts one more hour. If you're coming with us, you have to stay with us, and hold on. Then we go home"
"Oh" Aurelia said, pausing. She looked round at the small world she had created. Six months had flown by, and she'd created some nice memories. Meeting her neighbours, then helping her move in. her first house warming party.
She looked at Killian.
"I'll pack my things" she said.
The next hour was spent with Aurelia packing a few things and catching up with everyone. She wrote several notes, to her landlady, her work, and her friends.
She walked into her bedroom, and her knees buckled as she sat on the bed, breathing heavily. Her hands were shaking.
"Hello, love" Killian appeared in the doorway. He came and sat next to her. She didn't say anything, put placed her head on his shoulder.
"Aurelia... I know you've been through a lot. And I'm sorry I didn't remember. I can't believe you've been alive and well and I didn't even know who you were. I know you've created a life here. And... If you want, you can stay. you don't owe me anything. Just be honest" he said, in a quiet voice. Aurelia turned to him.
"I don't care where I am, as long as I'm with you. I love you, Killian" she kissed him. They got carried away before David coughed awkwardly in the doorway.
"It's time."
Suddenly, the clock chimed twelve, and a glow formed around the circle. Aurelia felt Hook hold on her hand tightly, and then it was like she had turned into dust, floating above space, through time, until they slammed down into the centre of Storybrooke.
"Home sweet home" Mary Margaret. "Go back to your old flat with Killian; we'll give you some privacy. See you in the morning" and Aurelia nodded, speechless.
She hugged her, then David, and Ruby, giving her a tight squeeze and a kiss on the cheek.
Back at the flat, Aurelia sat down with Killian.
"This is so odd" she said. "The last time I saw you, it was…"
"I know. I was horrible. I'm sorry... I got my memories back" he sighed "Aurelia, I've missed you so much. When you died… a piece of me went with you. I didn't know what to do. I was wandering around life with no purpose or meaning, it was pointless"
"I know. I felt like that too" she said.
"I can't believe I found you" he said, smiling.
"I'm so glad- Killian- I love you. I always have, and I always will"
"I love you too" he said, leaning in. They kissed, starting off sweet and slow, but suddenly, the kiss grew... dangerous, almost, desperate. The clung to each other passionately, Aurelia pulling off his plain white t-shirt ass he ripped her green dress. He picked her up, her legs swung round his warm torso as they went into the bedroom, shutting the door behind them.
In the morning, Aurelia woke up to soft, fluffy pillows and a warm quilt. Her legs were entwined with Killians, her hand on his strong chest, his round here bare back. She smiled, breathing slowly as the sun rose, lighting up the room. She drifted back into the perfect, happy oblivion.
When she next woke up, the bed was empty. She shot up, her hair messy.
She heard music in the kitchen, and grabbed Killians white shirt, pulling it over her naked body. She walked to the kitchen, to see one of the most beautiful sights. Killian was standing in the kitchen in his pants, dancing along to music as he fried bacon and eggs. Aurelia giggled as she watched his bum wiggle and he turned, grinning.
"Morning, beautiful" he winked, and she ran to him, giving him a small kiss
"Good morning" she said. "What's all of this?"
"As an apology for my earlier behaviour, you shall receive breakfast in bed" he said. "Now hop it, girl, before I make you"
"Yes sir!" she saluted, laughing, running back into the warm bed, leaning back.
Her lover joined, and they ate, chatting about her old job and the business.
Aurelia brushed her teeth, looking in the mirror. She was glowing. Her pale skin looked clear and smooth, her hair shiny. She stripped, turning the shower on and stepping in. She turned it so it was almost scathing, burning hot, and washed her hair and body. Before stepping out, she felt a presence behind her.
"Don't leave so soon" Killian said.
"Hello" she smiled.
"I think- for financial reasons, of course- we should share a shower more often" Killian grinned, flashing his teeth.
"I am totally inclined to agree with you there, my love" Aurelia murmured, "it's so good for the environment" tiptoeing up to the dark handsome man, kissing him.
"I do love the environment" killian laughed as he nibbled on her neck. They stumbled out of the shower, and killian wrapped a fluffy white towel around them, before carrying Aurelia and placing her on the bed.
"Wear this tonight" Killian threw a dress at her.
"Ooh, possessive" she winked "Where are we going?"
"To dinner" he said, putting a shirt on.
Aurelia pulled the dress on. It was very tight, and black, with lace arms- the colour creating a stark contrast to her skin and hair. She curled her hair properly, fastening it with a green emerald clasp that matched her eyes. After doing her makeup, Killian hugged her from behind and they looked at themselves in the mirror.
"I'm so happy" she sighed, leaning against him.
"Me too" he said, kissing her neck. "C'mon, we'll be late"
"Late?" Aurelia asked, but he was already pushing her at the door.
"We could just go grannies, it'd be nice to see her" Aurelia said "Where are we going"
"Be patient, quiet, and look at the map" Killian said. Aurelia was so distracted by the giant map he'd thrown at her she didn't recognise the location. Stepping out of the car, Killian covered her eyes, leading her up some stairs.
When he removed his hands, a massive cheer went up as the lights flipped on. The massive hall from the ball before was lit up, looking as beautiful as before. The decorations hung down- tiny little mermaids and fish. The colour scheme was of course, blue and green. The hall was filled with the people of Storybrooke.
"Oh my!" Aurelia exclaimed. A massive banner said 'WELCOME HOME AURELIA'
The first to hug her was Henry, and she picked him up, swinging him around.
"You, are the most clever person I know, little man" she whispered to him "You're always right. I owe you a chocolate sundae- don't let me forget it"
"I'm glad you're back Aurelia" he said.
Emma gave her a long hug next, and ass the women chatted more people came up.
"We'll talk later- I'll let you enjoy your party" Emma winked, following Henry to the food table.
"You still want your job? Best waitress I ever had" Granny announced.
"Hey!" Ruby said, giving Granny daggers.
"Oh, of course" Aurelia said.
"I'll see you at 7:30am then" Granny said, then looked at Killian next to Aurelia. "Actually, I'll make it 11. I was young once" she winked. Ruby looked horrified and dragged Granny off and Aurelia and Killian burst into laughter.
Gold was next, and after an almost pleasant but odd conversation, Aurelia carried on meeting and greeting, circulating around the guests. The whole night she was swept off her feet, the centre of attention. Even when she was trying to eat sausage rolls and prawns and was being talked to. After a few glasses of champagne she grew more tired as the night wore on, and she couldn't find Killian. Climbing the stairs, she retreated to the balcony she escaped to before.
"Overwhelmed?" a voice asked her from behind.
She turned, kissing Killian. "Yes, completely"
They stood, looking at the night sky for a while.
"Actually, I need to ask you something" she said. "There was a ball here before, and I got very drunk and came up here. I swear that I saw you, but I suppose that couldn't have been possible, you weren't even in Storybrooke. Any ideas?"
"Nope" he shook his head "Probably just you being crazy, my little alcoholic" he winked and she pushed him.
"I guess you're right" she said "hmm"
"Come one" Killian said "We're going to dance until you can't stand up"
"What do we do then?" she said, in mock horror.
"I'll carry you, darling. Let's go"
And taking his hand, she followed him back.