What if - Pinocchio had stayed with Emma until they were old enough to run away from the system together. For this fiction Emma will be 6 years younger than Pinocchio - this will become clear why later. Disclaimer: All characters belong to Once Upon A Time.
"We can't look after a baby"
Pinocchio knew that really, these people are abusive and scary but they can look after a baby. Unlike him. The easy option would be to leave with the others and get out of this horrible care home. But he has to be brave, selfless and true. He has to look after the little princess for his father. He can't leave her.
"I'm staying with Emma" he shakily told the boy.
Giving up his freedom and safety.
"Well then. Good luck August" the boy told him and with a pat on his shoulder, he was gone.
Pinocchio turned to the little baby and stroked her cheek. This wasn't going to be easy but her happy gurgle and big green eyes blinking back at him erased away any doubts. This is the right decision and he will see it through to the end.
XXXXX
Emma woke up in her little box room to her teenage (surrogate, though he felt much closer than that) brother jumping on her bed.
"Happy eleventh birthday Em" Pinocchio whispered with a giant grin on his face "getting big now Princess".
Emma returned the smile and stretched. She pulled Pinocchio into a giant hug and collapsed into a fit of giggles when he tickled his way free.
"Shh Emma, you'll wake someone up" he told her quietly.
It was then Emma realised that her seventeen year old brother had woke her up while it was still dark. It must be the middle of the night.
"Why are we awake at this time?" she asked him, a frown crossing her features.
"For your birthday, I'm taking you to your parents" he smiled at her.
Emma froze. Her parents? She'd finally get to meet the couple he had told her so much about. Her mother, who has skin as white as snow and lips as red as blood. Who had to give her up, mere minutes after meeting her. Her father who is brave, strong and charming. Who put her through the wardrobe to save her.
"Really?" she managed to croak out. Suddenly terrified and excited.
"Yeah but we have to be quick so get dressed, grab your stuff and meet me in my room as soon as you can" he ordered her with a quick hug.
As he got off the bed, Emma noticed a red leather jacket. It was clearly way too big for her but she'd grow into it. She instantly loved anything Pinocchio gave her but a present like this on her special birthday meant the world to Emma.
Her stuff didn't take very long to pack. Just her baby blanket that she sleeps with each night which is the only thing she has of her parents other than stories, a few outfits and her toiletries. Emma folded and placed it all in her backpack before zipping on her leather jacket and leaving her little room behind forever. She wouldn't miss it.
"You ready kid?" Pinocchio whispered.
Emma replies with a weary smile and a nod. With that, they sneak hand in hand out of the house that was never a home to them. No one cares enough to stir and find them gone before its too late.
I will try to update this as much as possible and it will hopefuly be my first long story. Any ideas or reviews are always appreciated :) Have good plans for this story though.