It had been almost 3 weeks since Neal arrived in Storybrooke. Every day he would add a new person to his list of people who were stuck doing something repeatedly that they shouldn't. It wasn't just Ashley anymore; Neal found others who needed help. But one thing he realized was he couldn't see his father. After that first day with Ashley and almost going to hurt his father, Neal realized it would be stupid. The Dark One would most likely be awake, and if he wasn't then, he set up a word to wake him up. This would be useless as Ashley won't have the baby until Emma gets to Storybrooke in 10 freaking long years. Instead, he kept to his smaller tasks, carrying Ashley's basket, fixing a roof, and more. Everything Neal did would only last 24 hours; it became more concrete as Neal noticed people said even the exact same words every day. Luckily the Queen never bumped into Neal during his daily routine, but he was pretty sure that she would think he was frozen like the rest of them by now. As long as Neal could make those days not feel like crap for all of the Storybrooke citizens, he was doing the right thing.

It made him understand why it was so important that he left Emma. Neal knew how bad the enchanted forest could be, and now these people had to live out torture that must have felt never-ending. Every time he thought of going back home to Emma, he remembered all the people here who needed his help.

But once he was done with those daily chores, Neal would always use the spare time to learn more about what everyone did each day.  Neal thought he found Emma's mother. He never met the official Snow White but watching her Disney movie sure did help. Black hair, pale skin, and a kind demeanor. She was a teacher at the school that all the children went to. He imagined bringing Emma here to meet her, finally finding her family. The woman who didn't even spend a day with her newborn daughter.

Emma hadn't called him over the past few weeks. While he knew she could take care of herself, he got curious. There was a limit to how alone Emma Swan liked to be. Neal asked August to find a way to contact her. Maybe she left the hotel for a few days. He was able to find them after running away to Tallahassee; Neal was sure this was in his skill set.

Neal was on his way to August's car to get an update on Emma. When Neal got into the seat next to August, he noticed August had a suspicious look.

"Where is she, August? Is she okay?" Neal had to know. Especially if he was going to really leave her.

"You don't want to know Neal, what I did for you both." August looked away from Neal. "I made a deal. You are now a free man Neal, you won't get arrested from your thing with the watches. I couldn't clear your other crimes, though."

Neal was shocked; he wouldn't face a year of jail time. There had to be a catch. "Where is Emma, August? What did you do?"

"She's in prison. Now before you beat me to a bloody pulp, I want to explain." August held his hands up, asking for mercy.

Prison. August called her in to get him free. Emma was in jail. Alone. Nothing. "You have 5 minutes, August. Or else I promise I will take this car and run you over. Then go and turn myself in and get her out." Neal felt his body heat with anger.

"One of you was going to be arrested, Neal. It was either you or her. Either way, you both get some time away from each other. But only Emma being in jail would mean we both won't have to chase after her for the next while. She'll learn that a life of crime is a stupid path to go down. She has no idea I set this up Neal, she also has no idea if you did. Which means you could still visit her if the prison allows it, or call her. It's why she hasn't called Neal, she can't."
August explained. It was the best option, Neal had to see that. He knew Storybrooke was growing on Neal, which would mean he would finally realize the importance of Emma changing her ways. Or at least he would if he remained rational.

Neal closed his eyes and began to concentrate on his breathing. If he didn't calm down, he wasn't sure what he would do, maybe even get the evil queen to kill August. Who knows. It took him about five minutes to fully process what August just said. Emma wouldn't hate him; they could find Tallahassee once she got out, for real this time. Neal could work and get them some legitimate money. But was that worth her pain?
"Is she still in Florida?"

"She got transferred to Phoenix last week, after a trial in court. Supposedly Emma skipped bail but got arrested again shortly after. Don't worry, the judge had mercy and decided not to add on extra time." August informed Neal

Phoenix. That made sense. That's where they stole the watches. At least she wouldn't have extra time. "Can I call her?"

August nodded and handed Neal his phone. "I saved the number already. Remember to not say your location. The cops will be listening in to at least some of it, and if a few decide the deal wasn't good enough, they will go after you. Don't worry about my phone, it's a burner, untraceable."

Neal grabbed the phone from August and called the number.

~~~

Emma was alone in her new cell, lucky to have not been put with a roommate. She assumed it was because they were worried she would run again. Which meant Emma could sleep in peace.  Her only issue was that all the alone time made her overthink things, like why Neal forgot about her, or would these random stomach cramps stop soon. Emma never liked doctors; she would avoid the prison ones as long as she could.

She stared at the painted brick wall across from her, wondering how much longer it was until breakfast. Emma hated the options available but at least it was food. Plus, her cell was too warm, which was even more annoying because she couldn't control the temperature.

"Swan, you have a phone call. Get up."
An officer said, opening the door to her cell. Emma hoped it was Neal, but to be honest, who else could it be. She was pretty much a loner.

Emma followed the officer down the hall to a room lined with phones. The officer led her to the first one. "You don't have forever on this phone, so make it as quick as you can." The officer left the room, leaving Emma alone with all the phones.

Emma picked up the first one, "Neal?" Her voice came out shaky. What if he locked her in here?

"Emma. I'm so sorry. I didn't know what happened to you. I've been away, I left a note while you were out." Neal sputtered, but she could still hear the emotion in his voice. He never knew she was in prison, that's why he never reached out. She felt a wave of relief, "They were waiting for me by the bug. The police saw the cameras of me getting the watches. I'm going to be here for a while, Neal."

"It should be me in there." Neal took a short pause, "I won't be able to visit Em. You understand that, right? I'll make sure August stops by to keep you company. Plus, we always have phone calls. You aren't alone."

"I don't want to be the last one standing," she thought of what Jessica told her even if it would make no sense to Neal. "Neal, I'm going to miss Tallahassee." Her voice wavered; those two weeks were the best she had in so long. Now it was over.

"Emma, we can find it again, don't worry. The day you get out. I'll even send the bug with August to Phoenix, and we'll send you the keys. I'll also throw in some money. We'll have it again, Emma. Right this time." Neal knew he shouldn't be making promises like this. He doesn't even know what prison life will be like for her. But he did know that he loved her.

"I have to go." Emma noticed the officer opened the door again. "Call me as soon as you can or as soon as they will allow. I love you."

"I love you too, Emma," Neal said before hanging up the phone. Emma hung up the phone and followed the officer back to her cell.

It wouldn't be long before Emma would be led to breakfast, and doubted she would be focused on the food. Neal loved her and didn't turn her in. That was enough.

~~~

"She sounded okay, didn't complain about how they were treating her at all." Neal laid over the conversation to August. "Am I just hearing what I want to hear? Did she just not tell me about anything that was bothering her?"

"Calm down, Neal, if Emma was suffering, I am sure you would know about it. She doesn't take BS, never did. Even when she was younger." August tried to appease him. "Plus, she didn't get to the new place that long ago. I am sure if you call again next week, Emma will be just as alright with the environment. I did my research Neal, I knew where she would end up. I wasn't going to send her to a place where all the prisoners make shivs."

"She knows how to defend herself. Alright, but the moment things get bad, we get her out of there. I'll somehow get the money to pay both our ways out." Neal knew August would turn down his idea. But other than finding the right path, there wasn't a real reason for Emma to be in jail.

"Really, Neal? Do you know a way that doesn't involve stealing that will get you enough money? I don't think that will happen." August sighed, "You can't keep doubting this plan. The more you create false realities, the more you will want to keep Emma from her destiny. Let's make a deal, Neal." He held out his hand, "No matter what Emma says, you will let her stay in that prison. If you keep to that, I won't interfere with your lives until Emma turns 28. Travel the world, steal a boat, whatever you guys want, but you will let her spend that year in prison."

"Why August? Why does this one year mean so much to you? Before, you were ranting about separating us completely. That I was a general bad influence." Neal questioned this whole entire deal. He hated contracts, but this might be one he would have to agree to.

"Because once Emma is out, your time spent away from each other will have made you both realize what is actually important. That crime is not a way of life. I don't think after this year, you would do anything to get her off her path. Do we have a deal?" August held his hand out some more.

Emma might hate him if jail was more challenging than she expected. But that would mean they would still have 10 more years to patch things up, right? Breaking her out now would only make it worse down the line, more crime and police chasing after them.  He wouldn't break a deal. He couldn't. Those seconds that Neal shook August's hand felt like hours. Like a heavy stamp against his heart. "Deal."

~~~

Emma stood in line with a tray waiting for her food. It didn't take her long to get what she needed. Emma searched the room for an empty table, and when she noticed there were none, Emma found a table that only had one other person sitting there. The woman looked close to Emma's age, flawless dark skin and long braids. Emma sat across from her and began to eat.

The other girl looked up at Emma from her food. "The mush tastes the best on Mondays. Are you new?"

Emma nodded, "Got here last week. I can't imagine this getting worse over the week.  I stuck to the mysterious fruit last week." Emma wasn't sure what to think about this new girl.

"It tastes gross, but it is one of the few things that keep me full during the week. I'm Sky, here for stealing my ex-boyfriend's credit card and some other expensive items. He cheated." Sky pointed out if it explained anything.

"Emma. Sorry about your boyfriend." She went back to eating. She wasn't going to trust the first girl to be even slightly kind. Emma didn't even know if that was the real reason Sky got arrested. But it would be good to have some sort of ally until she got out. "I helped my boyfriend fence some watches, and I stole from a grocery store a few times."

"Was your boyfriend locked up too?" Sky was curious; there wasn't much gossip that she got to hear. They all thought she was too young to get involved in anything.

"No. But I'm okay with it. If it was the other way around, he wouldn't make me take any of his time, I am sure of that." Emma played with her food, not feeling so hungry. It was nice having a conversation that wasn't just with Neal.

"Must be nice finding true love." Sky teased, "I hope he's cute, or else this really isn't worth it." She laughed, and Emma laughed with her.

"He isn't ugly if that's what you're wondering. He is handsome, but it's not his looks which draw you to him. They just happen to be a plus. He has the most amazing..." Emma caught herself, "I feel like I'm a regular teenager, Sky. What did you do to me?" Emma gave the other girl a slight smile.

"Because Emma, we are both still teenagers, even if we commit more crimes than the average US citizen. You both sound so in love," Sky began teasing Emma with kissing noises before shining her radiant smile. Emma's face turned red before bursting into laughter. Sky raised an eyebrow, "When was the last time you spoke with a girl your age? I don't mean a random hello, I mean a conversation."

It took Emma a few minutes to remember. It must have been Lily before she betrayed her. Lily, who was so much like her, it was if they had some sort of mystical connection. Emma subconsciously rubbed her wrist as if the star mark was still there. "It's been like two years. I guess there is an advantage to prison."

"Wouldn't call this place an advantage after being here a few months, but I'm sure you'll get used to the charm around here. Can I?" She gestured to the untouched mush on Emma's plate.

"Go for it." Emma pushed it towards Sky. "Thanks, we don't usually get seconds here. I will remember this great kindness." She scooped Emma's food onto her plate. As strange as it was, Emma was pleased she met Sky; she'll have someone new to talk to. Sure it seemed as if everyone abandoned Emma, everyone but Neal, but the phone calls wouldn't be enough. Hopefully, Sky would keep her from going insane when she couldn't talk to Neal.