The Town

He drove almost non-stop since leaving New York, pausing only long enough to fill up his motorcycle with gas or get a quick bite to eat. The last time he was so focused was when he went looking for Emma over ten years ago. The situation was even more demanding now. August knew he was pushing Faran hard and the machine wasn't going to like him for it, but he could always repair it once he arrived.

Once he crossed over into Maine he could feel the tug of Storybrooke. He never saw the place but he still instinctively knew where to go. It was getting dark now… August's gloved hands gripped the handlebars tightly, heart beating anxiously.

What would they be like, these cursed versions of people he once knew? Would there be sparks of their old selves or would that be erased completely? He was going in knowing so much, yet knowing nothing at all. He took in a deep breath and prepared himself for whatever he was about to see.

The road was empty; August wasn't surprised, as until very recently everything was paused at 8:15. He did see two people standing near a car and carefully rolled Faran to a stop. August casually dismounted and turned to see who was out at this time of night. The bright smile lit up his face without him having any control of it and he pushed his hair back.

Emma. Her face was never far from his thoughts in the ten years since he last saw her. She was beautiful… All this August absorbed in a matter of seconds before adopting the role of the casual stranger. Thankfully Emma missed that instant spark of recognition and suspected nothing. Their conversation was brief, filled with vague answers; August was enjoying himself, knowing he was piquing her curiosity.

He drove off in the direction of Granny's with the confidence she would approach him very soon. Maybe even tomorrow.

Oh, he wouldn't tell her everything. Not at once, anyway. She had to work for it, to want to believe. And if it so happened that taking it one step at a time allowed him more time with her, well… all the better.

At Granny's he could see Ruby watching him with interest as he booked a room. August just smiled and pretended not to notice. Granny handed over a key with the number 2 hooked on it.

"Welcome to Storybrooke," she said.

"Thank you," he answered as he took the key. "It's a pleasure to be here."