OUAL Challenge:

Rules/Instructions:

Pick an episode and write a missing scene for itFic must be between 100-500 wordsDo not post your fic anywhere else until after the feedback stage is over.

Title:Always
Rating:G
Characters:Emma and Charming/David
Episode: Queen of Hearts (at the very end)
Fic:

(Takes place at the end of Queen of Hearts)

The Charming family sat around Mary Margaret's small kitchen table just enjoying being back together again. Henry was asking all kinds of questions while Mar-er Snow and Prince Charming patiently answered them all. Emma listened intently at first, mainly stories about how her parent's met and fell in love. But then the topic turned to her birth... the pain and awkwardness were just too much.

"I'm going to take a walk," she announced suddenly standing.

Henry had had months with Emma and knew that she just needed some space to clear her head. Mary Margaret had known her for months as a roommate and friend, but after their time in the fairytale world she also had begun to know Emma as a daughter. So she too understood her sudden need to escape.

David, on the other hand, was feeling a bit overwhelmed himself. And, though he would never admit it, slightly cheated that he had been unable to get to know their daughter as well as Snow had.

"I'll come with you," he said, giving Snow's hand a squeeze and standing.

The late November wind was cold.

Emma stared up quietly at the night sky and counted the stares. After a moment of quiet contemplation she felt the need to break the silence.

David beat her to it.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"What for?"

He grabbed her hands, staring at her with eyes so much like her own.

"For sending you away. For taking you from your mother's arms, and sending you here on your own. For expecting you to save me, when I should have protected you," he confessed, one tear breaking free to slide down his cheek.

Emma suddenly felt like she was back in the destroyed nursery with Mary Margaret, the same regret for her ignorant words shamed her.

"No. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said what I did. I know now that you were only doing what you thought would be best to protect me. I would have done anything to keep Cora away from Henry. Even if it meant I had to stay in that other world and never see him again."

He didn't respond, just pulled her to him in a tight hug. His arms were strong and in them she felt safe and warm.

How strange to live her entire life unloved and unwanted only now to find not one, but two people who loved her so much they would always put her first.

As if he could read her thoughts, Charming's arms tightened around her.

"I love you Emma. I will always love you," he whispered, resting his chin on the top of her head.

Emma could not speak around the lump in her throat, but relaxed into his embrace allowing herself to soak in his love and strength.

Their family would face many trials in the coming months, both internal and external. But if they could just remember this love that bound them all together surely they could face anything.

End