A/N: Hi, yeah I'm still alive and I'm working on updates for my other stories but this one is, well I just had to...
This picks up a few months after Emma's departure in 7x02 so if you're not up to date there are spoilers here. So this is sort of me inserting Emma into season 7. First off Hope is actually Rowan Swan and her father is not Hook. In fact she belongs to Regina instead. Which brings us to the warnings... warnings for cheating (not SQ cheating on each other but) and mentions of CS. There may also be implied Dragon Queen but this story is 100 percent SQ. Also a heads up I have changed things where I thought was necessary because well... anyway this does not follow the exact storyline of 7 because I added two new main characters so some things needed to be changed around.
So with that said, here's the first chapter. I own nothing. Sorry for mistakes. Enjoy.
Reflections of Us
Chapter One
Those eyes.
She has definitely seen those eyes before. Deep as the ocean and the warmest shade of brown. She knew exactly who those rich mahogany eyes belonged to and they certainly weren't hers. She traced her finger down a soft olive cheek before tracing it down the bridge of a tiny nose. Those beautiful breathtaking eyes shut for a moment under her touch. She chuckled a bit as she then ran her fingers through the thick, soft, dark chocolate colored ringlets. Something she had done before but on a larger person. This little one's adult twin.
Those dark brows furrowed and she thought it was absolutely adorable. A smile tugged at her lips as she watched the beautiful little human before her that she had created with adoration. This child was created from true love. She knew this now.
Their little girl.
Only true love could create something so beautiful, so pure.
She traced her finger under the little girl's chin where there was a tiny cleft almost identical to her own. The little one sighed in contentment under her mother's touch.
This made Emma smile even wider despite her exhaustion. She would have been content as well if she had been there. She wished that she could show her what they made and how beautiful their love was.
She sighed tiredly. She couldn't let her child grow without knowing half of who she was and she most definitely couldn't allow her to grow up living a lie. She grew up that way and she wanted better for her daughter. Their daughter deserved better than that.
It wasn't that easy though. She knew that sometimes the truth was more difficult than a lie. This truth. It was painful and could hurt many.
She glanced at her husband who was asleep in the hospital chair in the corner of the room and a feeling of dread washed over her. The baby looked absolutely nothing like him so he had to know… didn't he? She barely looked like Emma. What explanation could he have for that?
There had to be a part of him that knew just like Emma did.
Unable to stand looking at the man a moment longer, she turned back to her daughter that was lying in the hospital bed beside her, rested on her side. She hoped the two day old child wasn't as uncomfortable as she was though. She wished that she was home in bed instead of the hospital but the baby looked absolutely content lying with her mother.
After hours of labor she brought the little girl into the world and she was still exhausted mentally and physically and so was the little one. That bed wasn't doing her any favors either but the little princess didn't mind as she kept her pretty eyes on her.
Emma kissed the baby's forehead because she couldn't help herself. Little did the baby girl know this was the beginning of many kisses from her that she would be showered with whether she liked it or not.
She had to love her enough for both of them. Well until their family was reunited. She didn't want to think about the worrisome things that were to come along with that. Instead she stayed focused on her child. The tiny person she was responsible for.
There was a sudden tap on the door and she was pulled out of her small moment of bliss and back to reality. She looked up from her daughter's beautiful face and glanced over to find her mother standing in the doorway to the room with a huge smile on her face. She snorted at her mother's over excitement.
Emma shook her head with a small smile. "Hey mom." she greeted.
Snow smiled wider at the invitation and rushed into the room. She had fallen into the role of grandmother fairly quickly. She missed Henry terribly just like Emma did but she was so happy for her new granddaughter.
Snow was content to busy herself with grandma duties but that wasn't the only role Snow had picked up though. After Regina took her leave, Maleficent took over her role at the mayor's office for a bit but a few months in, the woman took off after Regina leaving the town to the Charmings. In Mal's absence Charming took over the job as mayor so that Snow wouldn't have to give up her teaching job since he was already retired from the Sheriff's station. Snow still had a big hand in it still. Sort of like a co-mayor situation.
"What did you decide to call her?" Snow asked as she hovered over the mother and child. Emma took comfort in mother's presence. Some time with her was exactly what she needed for her torn heart. Snow White always knew how to put things into perspective.
"Rowan." Emma answered. She figured the name was appropriate enough for royalty. Regina would approve. "Rowan Grace."
Snow hummed with a nod of approval. "I like it. It has a nice ring to it." She paused and grimaced a bit. "But I liked Hope better."
Emma gave her mother a side glance. She knew that her mother wanted that name for her granddaughter but Emma didn't think it fit her child. Sure she understood why she wanted it but that was the exact reason that Emma didn't. Besides her little girl looked more like a Rowan anyway.
Emma smirked at her mother. "You can save that name for your next daughter."
Snow snorted and it turned into a soft chuckle. Emma's smirk turned into a full grin at her mother's reaction. It was an odd thing to say but in spite of their chronological ages, Snow could very much have had another child. Time was still strange in that town mostly because of all of the curses. Emma knew that she should have looked a bit older and Snow should have been a straight up senior citizen but the magic in the air had been on their side so she wasn't complaining and neither was Snow. They both had fully grown children and neither of them looked any older than they did when they arrived in the town.
"No more kids for me." Snow said through a chuckle. "You and Neal are enough."
Emma laughed. "Oh good. I don't think Neal could handle being a big brother given how spoiled he is."
Snow gave Emma a look that was both stern and playful. "I blame Regina and Zelena for that."
Emma snorted softly. "Regina and Zelena did spoil him rotten."
She remembered her little brother's little crush on the sisters. He loved to go over to Regina's and hang out with them. The two women would shower him with gifts, treats and attention -all of Neal's favorite things. The mayor's house was his favorite place and the added bonus was that he got to spend time with his best friend Robin. Being the youngest in the family the two children automatically bonded.
Gideon left earlier on with his parents so they hadn't seen him in a while but the kids hadn't forgotten him. They both often ask about him. Emma nor her parents knew what to tell them because they haven't heard from the family since they set off on their journey years ago.
Snow smiled at her granddaughter and Emma watched as the woman touched her granddaughter's lovely dark curls. She admired the beauty of them for a moment then she glanced at Hook with a furrowed brow. She trailed her fingers down to the baby's soft cheek. She frowned as she took in the baby's coloring that was tanned and nothing like her suspected parents' complexions.
Emma held her breath and waited nervously as her mother's brain slowly put the pieces of the puzzle together and realization washed over the queen's face. Their eyes locked and Snow's mouth fell open.
"Emma, did you…? Is she?" the woman couldn't put her questions into words and she seemed so confused. Emma simply nodded, confirming her mother's suspicions. She couldn't lie to her. She needed her help after all because she didn't exactly know what to do. "Does he know?" she whispered.
Emma sighed. "I think he does in his heart but in a way he still feels like she is his…" she whispered back.
Snow shook her head and placed a hand on her forehead. "Emma… How?" she sighed. Snow looked so overwhelmed and Emma was positive that she was going to pass out which was totally understandable because this was so much. "Who is it?"
Emma gave her mother a look. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you." which was true. It wasn't every day that two women created a child from magic and love alone.
Snow glanced back up at Hook who was still asleep. They couldn't have this conversation whilst he was in the room. Not only for risk of him overhearing but generally it was rude and well, tacky. "Hook..." Snow called to the pirate gently. That of course didn't work. Hook slept like a log. That was pretty much the only trait that the baby had like him and honestly, Emma was a heavy sleeper as well.
Emma placed her hands on the baby's little ears to protect them. "Killian!" She barked. That caused the man to jump almost out of the chair as he was startled awake. He stretched and began rubbing his eyes.
"Yeah, Emma, what do you need, love?" He muttered in his barely awoken state. He pulled his hands away and he his eyes settled on Emma.
"Can you get me a snack?" She asked gently. "Hospital food is disgusting and I'm starving."
"Oh." Without further question, he began getting to his feet quickly. "Okay." He grabbed his jacket off of the back of the chair and shrugged it on. "What do you need?" He asked through a yawn.
"I don't know what I'm in the mood for." She forced a smile. "Surprise me."
He returned the smile with a genuine one. "Aye." He said then he looked over at Snow. "Hello Snow. Can I get you anything?"
Snow smiled one of her sweet but phony smiles. "No thank you, Honey."
Killian nodded his head and began heading for the door. He gave the three of them one last smile before slipping out of the room. Emma stared at the doorway for a long while after the man had left. She felt a heavy weight at the pit of her stomach and it was almost painful. She knew exactly what it was... guilt.
"August?" Snow asked once the coast was clear. She knew that her daughter was really good friends with Pinocchio and they had a sort of chemistry.
Emma made a face. "No mom, he's my friend and that's it."
Snow shook her head as if trying to clear her mind and straighten out her racing thoughts. "Who then? I can't guess anymore."
Emma sighed deeply and glanced down at her baby. Her eyes were open again and she was staring up at her as she sucked on her pink pacifier.
Snow must have noticed this as well because she stared at the baby again for a long while and then it clicked. She gasped and placed a hand on her chest. "I remember when I was a girl and I used to speak to Henry... Regina's father." She muttered almost to herself. "He always used to speak of Regina as a baby. He was so proud of her and for good reason because she was... is absolutely beautiful." She waved that off with a flick of her wrist and continued. "He said that she had the biggest brown eyes and the longest eyelashes he had ever seen. He also mentioned that she had big bouncy curls all over her head. People had mistook her for a doll on more than one occasion." She shook her head as if she couldn't believe what she was thinking. "This little girl looks exactly the way he described her." She looked worried for a moment as she waved her fingers over the newest member of their family. "That can't be though. It's impossible."
Emma chuckled dryly. There was no humor to it because this situation was far from comical. Her mother did figure it out quicker than she expected she would though. Leave it to meddling Snow White. "Nothing is impossible when you are a product of true love."
Snow gave her daughter a disbelieving look before lowering her voice. "You cheated on Hook with Regina?" she didn't sound angry, just confused.
Emma shrugged. "It sort of just happened."
"It just happened?" Snow hissed. "Forgetting to take the foil off of leftovers before putting them into the microwave just happens. Not affairs with your son's other mother that results in a second child. That can't just happen!"
Emma sighed deeply. "It just happened. We were drinking. Regina was upset about Henry and frankly so was I because we haven't heard from him in a while... so she started crying and you know how I get when Gina starts crying. I pulled her into my arms to comfort her and she just smelled so good and she was so soft... and her body felt so nice pressed against mine. She looked me in the eye and those pretty eyes... I just... I couldn't fight it anymore."
Oh, Emma would never forget the feel of Regina's smooth delicate skin under her fingertips or the taste of her soft warm lips pressed against her own. Regina still lingered on every inch of her in way that Emma never wanted her to let go.
Snow's expression was one of complete horror. Not for her daughter sleeping with a woman because she didn't care about that. In fact she had a feeling that her daughter was into women but she was appalled by the fact that her child -a product of true love, was speaking of infidelity in such a way. "Emma, it doesn't justify it. How do you think Hook is going to feel?"
"It's going to crush him." Emma admitted. "But I'm not sorry because this gave me Rowan. I am sorry that Hook is going to suffer for it."
Well, at least Emma felt a bit of remorse and she wasn't a complete monster. That made Snow feel a tiny bit better. "Love. Marriage rather is a bond where both parties should always be honest and faithful, Emma. Don't give into temptation."
"I love her. I always have." Emma confessed in a whisper. It was true. "And I always will. She didn't tempt me. I made the first move when I kissed her. She didn't even expect it."
Snow shook her head again. "You cheated on your husband, Emma. You took vows."
"But I don't love him like I should. I never have."
"And that makes it okay?"
"Well no…" Emma admitted. In fact it was completely unfair to everyone involved. This was a huge mess. "But I was selfish for once in my life. I wanted to feel good, desired, craved and needed. Regina made me feel amazing, mom. Do you have any idea how long it's been since I felt amazing?" She hissed. "I couldn't control myself and I kissed her. I couldn't stop there though so I made love to her for hours and you know what? I still don't regret it. I wish I could touch her again and again."
Snow was shaking her head as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Emma was her child and she loved her no matter what but she was so wrong in this situation. She wouldn't call her on it though. Emma knows what she did is wrong and she's apologetic. There's no point to chew her out and upset her after she just had a baby. She had enough on her plate. "Does Regina know? Is that why she left?"
"No. Regina would never abandon her child regardless of the circumstances."
Snow nodded. She knew that was true. Regina loved Henry with all she had and she would definitely be there for her little girl if she knew she existed. "Well, you need to tell her. It's only fair."
"I know…" Emma groaned. Regina deserved to know about her heir. Besides Emma was so proud of their little one that she couldn't wait for Regina to meet her. "I plan to."
"How?"
"I'm going to her. I just want Rowan to get a bit older then we are going to find her mommy and I will try to make things right. These realms can be a bit hostile and last I saw they were in a battle. If anything, Regina would want our baby safe." Emma left out the fact that she was slightly worried about Regina's reaction and she was waiting to gather up the courage to tell her.
Snow nodded. "What about Hook?"
"I'll tell him." She said softly. She really wasn't ready for that discussion but it needed to be done. Hook needed to be told the truth. "I won't hurt him anymore."
He will never get those years back that they shared but neither will she. All they can do is try to move forward and rebuild their lives separately. She hoped she would be able to fix what she's broken but the damage was already done. She just had to hope and fight harder for her true happy ending.
It wouldn't be easy at this point but looking at her daughter she could see it. Real happiness is possible.
Emma glanced over to catch the pirate entering the room. She couldn't help but want Regina here with her instead. She looked up at her mother and they shared a look. A lot of people were going to be hurt and confused by this and Emma blamed herself for it. However, she did not regret that night. She had never felt a high like she felt wrapped up in Regina nor did feel a longing like she felt the next morning after she left Regina's place. What she felt for Regina was natural and real but her marriage to Hook was forced and fake.
She never should have married him. She took full responsibility for that. She planned to right that mistake. Well, at least try to because in order for someone to win, someone else has to lose. That's just the balance of life and the way it will always be.
In this case Hook will lose and in a way so will she. In the end, all that mattered was that Rowan got her best shot and that would be growing up with both of her mothers and her big brother.
Hook sat the bag on the edge of the bed. There was no room on the bedside table since it was covered in gifts, cards and flowers from the town's people and her family. They all went a bit overboard but she somewhat expected that.
He gave her a small smile. She returned it and he dipped his head then returned to his seat. He sat in the chair and relaxed back into it.
Emma looked back to her mother. Snow simply smiled and gave her hand a squeeze. "Everything will be okay. I promise."
Sure, maybe. Emma gave her mother a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She knew that happiness was possible and this will get better, but was she ready?
Things definitely had to get worse before they got better.
The real question was: Was she prepared to tackle the aftermath of this oncoming storm?
Rowan was so much like her dark haired mother that it often broke Emma's heart to even look at her. She always wrinkled her nose when she was displeased and could make Emma's heart skip with just a smile. She was also very cranky when she was tired just like her other mother. Those eyes and that cute little heart shaped beauty mark on the corner of her mouth was just too adorable and Emma just wanted to cuddle her all the time.
Rowan was her only company these days since Hook had been making it his business to not be home when she and the baby were up and about. There was a thick tension in the house even when he wasn't home.
Rowan was growing and her facial features were becoming more and more Regina like as time went on. She had a sinking feeling that Hook knew and he was beginning to resent her for it. That was understandable though so she didn't bother to confront him about it.
The house was a lonely place when Rowan was asleep or her parents didn't stop by. Her brother sometimes kept her company but it wasn't the same as it would have been if Regina and Henry had still been around. She felt that she needed Regina more than ever right now but she couldn't have her.
Not right now. They were busy off on an adventure, rescuing an entire realm for all she knew.
She often worried about them but she knew that they could take of themselves. She still had an overwhelming need to be with them and to protect them however. She just wanted to be with her family.
She missed them deeply despite the fact that she knew that she would be reunited with them again soon. The wait was getting a little too much for her and she was growing inpatient. She did not have a choice though. She had to wait it out until Rowan was old enough and had built up her immune system a bit.
The wait was killing her but it was for the best. She had to put Rowan first. That's what Regina would have wanted. They will all be together soon enough. Regardless, she had other things to deal with. First things first, she wanted to be completely free physically and mentally when she ventured into her new life. She needed that and a clear head this time.
It was time for her to do what was right for everyone involved. That began with cutting Hook loose so that he could go live his life. He deserved to know the truth and to be freed. She knew that it was not going to be easy but if her life in Storybrooke had taught her anything it was that sometimes the right thing isn't always the easy thing and if something is too easy... well, she likely shouldn't do it.
Her marriage for example.
It was so easy to marry Hook. He was so obsessed with her and adored her. Marriage to him should have been simple. He was a man and she was a woman. He loved her and she liked him enough. Everyone said that they made an attractive couple so who cares if she felt no physical attraction to him? Their relationship made sense. She was the savior and he was an attractive, dark haired, male, ex-villain. It made a hell of a lot more sense than her and the Evil Queen... well, so she thought but she knows better now.
Now she knows that the savior and the ex-Evil Queen was the only thing that made sense. In fact it made the most sense. Their fates had always been intertwined and their love. Even the children that they shared were their destiny. It's too bad it took so long for her to figure it out and it's awful that she dragged both Regina and Hook into this but she will fix it.
Or at least she'll try to.
But right now she just wanted to avoid it all and lie in bed with Rowan, as the little girl slept peacefully swaddled snugly in her favorite blanket. The white one with the pink lace trim and her name embroidered on the side in pink cursive.
Granny made sure to inform Emma that she didn't like the name and to point out that she should have just called her Hope like Snow wanted. Emma of course laughed it off as she hugged the woman and thanked her for the blanket. Emma liked the name so that's what she chose.
Rowan automatically took a liking to the blanket and out of all of her blankets, that one seemed to get the job done every single time without fail. She would wrap her up all snug and Rowan would drift peacefully to sleep.
That night was no different.
She watched her daughter's sleeping face for a moment. She looked so content so close to her mother like that and that made Emma smile a bit.
At least her daughter was good to go. She's fed, changed and she's lying with her. She should be okay for a few hours. Well she hoped. She could do with the sleep. Her little princess wasn't exactly a difficult baby but she was demanding. She liked things just so and when she wanted them and if she didn't get it there would be hell to pay. Other than that she was sweet and calm. All Emma had to do was remember that she was dealing with a full blood princess and all would be alright.
She kissed her daughter's chubby cheek and the little one sighed making her laugh softly.
She rested on the pillow, her face only inches away from the baby girl's. She closed her eyes and tried to relax but the bed was too big for just the two of them and the room was too quiet. She inhaled softly then exhaled and pulled up memories of the first and last time she didn't feel so lonely.
The first and last time she laid in bed with Regina. She imagined the way the woman smelled and felt as Emma held her tight. She could see the woman's eyes perfectly and feel her fingers as they trailed down her jawline. She even felt how their hearts were beating in perfect harmony with each other.
She felt like such an idiot after that night. Regina was all she ever needed and yet she didn't realize it. Touching her gave her the courage she needed to listen to her heart. That was the first time she really felt like she was in love and she was helpless to it. She gave in completely, heart and soul.
She was opened up completely to the woman as they laid there in the dark, the two of them illuminated only by the moonlight filtering in through the window. That was a peace she never felt before and she hadn't felt since that night. She wished she could relive those moments again and again.
Those memories seemed to do the trick because she could feel her body relaxing as she fell into a dream about the woman she loved and that night she wasn't in the too large bed, in the too empty, too dark room but instead she was in bed with Regina, in her warm bed with their baby sleeping peacefully between them.
But that wasn't the way things were. Not now anyhow but what she wouldn't do for just a little bit of that. Just a flicker in time where she got to be a family with Regina and their children.
In time... She reminded herself. In time everything will be as it should be. Well, she was hoping for it.
She sighed deeply and began giving into sleep. A small smile on Regina's lips in her mind was the last thing she saw before she slipped into the dream where they got a happily ever after and that is where she will stay until Rowan pulled her back into reality.
A few weeks later...
Emma decided that nearly four weeks at home was more than enough. She needed some sun and so did Rowan so on a nice, sunny, Saturday afternoon she agreed to meet her parents and brother for lunch at Granny's. She was looking forward to a little more social interaction. Rowan was indeed excellent company but she needed conversation. Rowan was a good listener even though she didn't understand a single word she said and simply just enjoyed the sound of her mother's voice.
Emma needed to converse with bigger humans and she was just excited to get out of their lonely house where the walls constantly felt like they were closing in on her. All she did was wallow there and she needed to be away from it.
She decided to walk to the diner so that the baby could get a look at the town they called home and meet a few of her neighbors. It took longer than expected though because she was stopped by crowds of people on every block who wanted to get a look at the little princess and the daughter of the savior. They all gushed and cooed at the baby who simply stared back at them with a scrunch of her dark brows and a wrinkle of her tiny nose.
Emma would fight back a chuckle and smile causing the little girl to smile back. That along with the twinkle in her eyes drove the town's people almost to tears.
She could see the exact moment that they all fell in love with the month old child. There was no surprise there because her little princess was special and she simply stole hearts mercilessly.
At barely a month old, her daughter was already full of sass and was equally charming. Granny had joked once when she came for a visit that Emma was going to have the hardest time saying no to her. A few years ago Emma would have agreed because raising Henry, Regina was always the enforcer and disciplinarian but as time went on Emma learned to put her foot down as well. Henry didn't particularly like being double teamed by his moms but Emma didn't particularly care. She eventually got the hang of enforcing the law on him much to Henry's chagrin.
In this case she would be just fine disciplining Rowan. It's not like she had a choice anyway though. Regina was off with Henry and Emma and Rowan were in Storybrooke. In this scenario she had to be the fun parent and the disciplinarian. She also had to be the coddler since Regina wasn't around for that either. Emma found that she was good at that though and she really liked the cuddle time and the kisses with her baby.
This experience was making her grow as a person and she was becoming a better mother. She was scared shitless to do this alone but after one look at her baby she knew that she could. Thankfully she was absolutely right. Despite all of the mistakes in her life, she felt that motherhood was the one thing she had gotten right and she was proud of that.
Once they were freed by the town's people they continued on their little walk, enjoying their day. They walked the streets quietly until they came across town hall and that's where Emma came to a screeching halt. Her hands tightened on the handlebar of the vintage yellow stroller. She had an overwhelming urge to run inside and introduce Regina to their daughter but she couldn't do that because Regina was gone. She was gone because of her.
Emma will never forget the look in Regina's eyes. She could feel the woman pleading with her to give her a reason to come home but Emma just couldn't. She had to say goodbye to her and that was the biggest mistake of her life. Just letting Regina walk away was the worst thing that Emma had ever done and that was saying something since she's made some huge mistakes in the past couple of months.
A small squeak came from the stroller and Emma's attention was pulled back to Rowan who was staring up at her expectantly. She couldn't tell if the baby was annoyed by the sudden stop or the lack of attention.
"See this building, Roe?" She asked as she turned back to the yellow and white building. Flashes of Regina flowed through her mind. Vivid images from the two of them laughing over lunch or late dinners in the mayor's office. Emma was always happiest in those moments. Times where she could just be Emma. A yearning filled her chest and she tried to push it away.
"This is town hall. Your grandpa works here now but... once upon a time, the most beautiful, intelligent and amazing woman worked here. She made this town. It wasn't always easy to take care of everyone but she made it look that way. She helped us make this place safe and wonderful for you." She sighed longingly as she thought of her beautiful friend. "She left to help your big brother. Her work was done here so she went off to help others. That's just how she is. She has the biggest heart and one of the kindest souls. She wouldn't admit it so don't ask her..." She chuckled softly despite the ache in her chest for Regina. "I miss her so much and I wish she was still here so you could meet her but don't worry, we'll see her soon."
The baby listened closely then cooed and put her fist into her mouth. Emma chuckled. "Right... come on." She looked at her daughter and smiled. "You're probably thinking 'cool story, mom'." She said in a voice that was supposed to be a teenage Rowan.
She began pushing the stroller again and with one last yearning look over her shoulder, they were on their way. The pair continued down the streets of Storybrooke on the lovely day.
They were only stopped a few more times before they reached Main Street and managed to make it to the front gate of the establishment before they were ambushed by a group of fairies.
"Hello." One of the women exclaimed happily.
Emma smiled politely. "Afternoon."
"Oh such a lovely little princess." Nova giggled. In all honesty that was the only fairy that Emma knew by name besides Tinkerbell and Blue. There were just way too many to keep track of.
"Thank you." Emma said kindly.
"Does your baby have a fairy godmother?" Another with her long black hair pulled into a ponytail asked. She was wearing a silver dress underneath a silver denim jacket. She had black heels on her feet. That was definitely not a part of the fairies' dress code.
Emma noticed that a few of the fairies stopped dressing the part of nuns as the years went on. Some of them dressed in regular clothes while others returned to their fashions from the Enchanted Forest. Then there were a few who still dressed the way they always did.
"Oh pick me!" Said a fairy with platinum blonde hair. She was dressed in all light blue. Emma couldn't help but think that she reminded her of Elsa with a short haircut.
"If anything Zarina should be the fairy godmother since she is the Pirate Fairy and all." Pointed out the dark haired fairy.
"Zarina is a troublemaker." Argued one of the others.
"It's up to Emma anyhow." Nova said and patted Emma on the shoulder. "Let her decide."
"Um..." Emma hadn't really thought about it much. She knows that all royal children get a fairy godmother but Rowan has two magical mommies and a magical aunt. She doesn't exactly need fairy magic.
But the fairies didn't know this so she knew that she would have to humor them at some point.
All of the women save for Nova stared at Emma with hopeful wide eyes. A part of her wanted to flee. This was a lot of pressure and she couldn't decide right then.
Rowan was watching the strange women with a furrowed brow and her bottom lip poked out. The infant was not impressed.
"I...uh..." Emma stammered as her eyes scanned the women surrounding her like sharks. She started to back away and just head home. This was entirely too much for her first time out.
"Oh buzz off!" A voice snapped from behind her. Emma sighed in relief at the familiar voice. She glanced over her shoulder to see none other than the Blue Fairy walking up. All of the women immediately straightened up in her presence. She stopped right behind Emma and glared at her fairies. "Are you harassing Princess Emma and Princess Rowan?"
"No." Said the black haired fairy. "We were merely offering her our services as fairy godmother..."
Blue sighed deeply, clearly annoyed. "If and when Emma decides on wanting a fairy for her child, you will all be amongst the firsts to know. Do not pressure her." The women began to open their mouths in a desperate attempt at defending themselves but Blue raised a hand to silence them. "Back to the convent you go, ladies."
They all hung their heads in shame for their behavior. Well, all except Nova who simply giggled at her sisters. She gave Emma's shoulder another squeeze and the two of them shared a smile. Nova then waved at the baby receiving a smile in response from the little one then she was on her way, scurrying after her sisters.
Emma shook her head with a fond smile then turned back to Blue who had taken her place ahead of them. She was now waving at the baby.
"Hello Beautiful." The fairy said in a melodic soft tone. Rowan smiled a toothless smile and her eyes sparkled as they always did when she's happy. "You are so pretty. Clearly crafted from the loveliest of magic."
Emma's mouth fell open and she stared at mother superior in disbelief. How did she find out? What is she going to do? How can she explain it? All of these questions were flashing through Emma's mind and she couldn't keep up. If Blue knew then that meant... no.
"Um..." Emma was at a loss for words.
"True love." Blue said still smiling at the baby. She glanced up at Emma then. "She has very powerful magic. I can sense it. It appears that we have another hero on our hands."
Emma forced a smile and fought back the urge to cringe. She really just wanted Rowan to lead a normal life. Going to school, making friends, falling in and out of love. She didn't want her to even know that life they had before she was born. Sure, she would tell her stories. She needed to know her history and where she came from but she didn't want to her to live any of it. "Eh. Well at least she doesn't have to break any curses, huh?"
Blue smiled softly. "indeed, this town is safe. What a time to be born, right?"
Emma nodded. It is so good that she does not have to worry about putting her kid inside a wardrobe. "Right."
"How are you though, Emma?" Blue asked then.
Emma shrugged. "Fine, thanks. How are you?"
"Excellent that you are doing good." The fairy said with a nod. "And I am well." Blue stared at her for a moment before nodding to herself. "I'll be on my way and let the two of you have your lunch."
"Oh. Okay, see ya!" Emma said with a small wave. She was starving.
Blue smiled and dipped her head in farewell then began heading down the street in the direction that the other fairies had gone in.
Emma released a breath when she knew the woman was gone then she began pushing the carriage towards the diner. She opened the door but upon seeing her, someone jumped up to hold it open for her. She thanked the man as she pushed the stroller inside and he mumbled a 'you're welcome, your Highness'. She didn't flinch that time and it turned out that she was actually getting used to the title.
As soon as the door was shut behind her, she was ambushed again. This time by patrons at the diner who all wanted to get a peek at the princess.
"Cute little booger." Grumpy gruffed. Dopey waved at the baby and she gave him a tiny smile. Rowan was familiar with the dwarves. She has been seeing them almost since birth.
"Hello there, Rowan!" Doc said in very expressive way that captured the baby's attention. "You and your mommy look absolutely beautiful today." He gestured to the baby's little lavender hat with the white flower on the side. "I really like your flower."
Rowan was eating up all of the attention and she wrinkled her nose at the man. Doc chuckled. "She's very advanced. She's already smiling and she has a variety of expressions. You have a very smart girl on your hands there, Sheriff."
"Thank you." Regina would have been pleased to hear that. Emma knew that she was proud as hell of her little genius.
"You're welcome, Sheriff." Doc said with a dip of his head.
Emma snorted at him calling her that. It beat being called "Princess' and 'savior' but she hasn't been to work in months and she doubted that she would ever be going back. The funny thing is that Emma never saw herself as the stay at home type but since Rowan bounced into her life, there's nothing that she wanted more than to stay home with her. She actually dreaded the thought of heading back to work. She knew that it was what was best but she still didn't want to.
At least she still had a few months to decide. She'll cross that bridge when she gets to it.
She heard a very loud sneeze and that caused her head to snap up from Rowan's beautiful face to where she found the dwarves ushering Sneezy in the opposite direction of the child. The sight of that made Emma laugh.
"Alright," Emma heard her mother's voice over the crowd of people, chatting away over the princesses. Rowan began squirming at the sound of her grandmother's sweet voice. After Emma, Snow White was the baby's other favorite person. Neal and Charming were tied however. "I would like to hug my daughter and kiss my granddaughter now, if you all don't mind."
That caused the patrons to laugh and they all began to disperse out of respect for their acting queen in Regina's absence.
The trio was left alone in the aisle and Snow smiled warmly at her daughter. "You are still glowing." She said with a hint of awe in her voice. "You and Roe seem to be getting on just fine."
Emma shrugged. "Eh, you know, it's just us two at home since Hook is never around."
"Oh Emma..." Snow breathed as her face clouded over with sympathy.
"Can you blame him? He knows she isn't his. That would break anyone's heart." Emma whispered. "I wish he would just say it so we can end it. I feel like I'm torturing him."
Snow placed a hand on Emma's shoulder. "It's okay, Emma. Everything is going to be okay."
"I don't think anything will ever be okay again." Emma admitted resolutely.
"Oh no, Emma." Snow sighed. She quickly gathered Emma up into her arms and hugged her. Of course not a single patron around them thought anything of it. Snow White embracing her daughter was something quite common around Storybrooke. "No matter what..." She began whispering into her ear. "You have to have hope that everything will be alright. You and Rowan will be just fine."
"What about Hook?"
Snow pulled back then and kept Emma's shoulders in her grasp. "He will have to find a way. The thing about life is that things don't always go as planned. Especially when it comes to family. I can assure you that your father and I didn't plan to meet you at twenty-eight years old nor did we expect our grandson to be older than our son..." She tilted her head. "It's all so strange and quite challenging but we make do. This is our family and it's special. Hook will have to find a way to get through this and so will you."
"But I have Rowan and Henry and their mother..." Emma pointed out. She wouldn't be alone no matter what. "I was all he had."
"Well he has to find something else. He is always a part of our family whether he is with you or not." Snow held her daughter's worried eyes. "Despite it being in a very unorthodox way, love won out in this situation. It's too bad that a drunken one night stand which resulted in you giving birth to another woman's baby- opened your eyes to where your heart truly belongs but..."
Emma nodded. "I feel lousy."
"As you should." Snow said a little too honestly. "You cheated on your husband and broke his heart. Not to mention you led him on knowing you didn't love him."
Emma gave her mother a nasty look. She didn't need to rub her nose in it. "Okay..."
Snow chuckled. "I'm sorry, did you want the less truthful response?"
Emma groaned. "That would be nice..." She needed some encouragement right now.
Snow chuckled as she pulled away from her daughter. "Alright then... you did nothing wrong and you should be with her anyway."
Emma let out a miserable laugh that turned into a groan. "Thanks."
"Always sweetie." Snow said and squeezed her again. She then took Emma's place behind the stroller and began pushing it down the aisle.
Emma had no choice but to follow. She forced on a smile as she greeted the other residents of the town. Snow led her to a booth near the front of the diner where her father and brother were waiting for them.
Both guys grinned wide when they saw the rest of their family.
She could hardly believe that that was the same baby that she held in her arms countless times. He was now fifteen and almost a man. He had taken after David in every way except for his hair that was a rich black like their mother's. He had the chiseled jaw, gentle eyes and the height though. The boy was indeed the perfect depiction of a Prince Charming Junior.
He pushed his bangs out of his eyes and smiled wide at his sister. "Hey Emma." He said in his very deep voice. Emma smiled.
"Hey Kid." She said as he stood up and made his way to her.
"How are you feeling?" He asked as he gathered her into his arms, hugging her gently given his weight and height over hers. She really enjoyed her brother's hugs. She always has. There was always something about him that was so comforting. He had definitely gotten that from their parents.
"Pretty good!" Emma said as they broke apart. "Good enough to kick your butt."
The boy laughed and his big blue eyes sparkled with mischief. "Not if I kick yours first."
"Oh you're on." Emma challenged and they both laughed. She felt well enough to pull out her sword and spar with him though but she knew her mother wouldn't go for it.
"Oh great." Snow huffed jokingly with a playful roll of her eyes. "More aggression. Exactly what we need." She began ushering Emma and Neal into the booth.
Emma chuckled as she slid in and her mother took the place beside her. Rowan's carriage sat beside Snow's seat. The baby grinned at her grandmother and Snow laughed.
"What's she doing?" Neal asked curiously.
Snow smiled at her son. "She's so silly already."
"She gets it from her mother." Charming said with a wink at his daughter.
Emma shook her head with a small chuckle as well. "How are you, dad?"
"I'm doing pretty good." He replied. "Retirement is treating me well."
Emma made a face at that and so did Neal but since she didn't live with him, she decided to call him out instead, "Oh please ever since Neal started school you've been at the station more than I have."
"To make sure everything is ship shape." He argued.
Emma rolled her eyes. "Oh dad."
Snow laughed at the conversation as she fished Rowan out of the carriage. The baby made a happy little high pitched sound as her grandmother cuddled her to her chest.
"You seem happy." He observed his daughter than nodded to himself as if confirming it. He glanced at Snow and reached out for his granddaughter. With a roll of her eyes Snow passed the baby across the table.
Emma smiled a bit at the thought. There was a lot going on and things seemed more bleak than positive but Rowan was her tiny bit of happiness in her darkness at the moment. "I am. She's awesome."
"I bet." Charming said more so to the baby. Rowan looked amused especially after her uncle tickled her tummy. "Are you taking good care of Mama?" He asked the little girl.
"Watch her head, David!" Snow hissed. He looked up and gave his wife a look.
"I know how to hold a baby, Snow." He said in a singsong voice. Snow glared at him but he seemed unfazed as he turned back to his granddaughter. "Oh, look at you. Pretty just like your mommy."
Emma agreed. In a way she was beautiful like her mothers. She was the perfect amount of both of them but for some reason Regina just seemed to have taken over as the woman does with everything else.
Rowan looked more like a Mills than anything but Charming didn't seem to notice. Actually her father was blissfully unaware of what was really going on and his grandchild's true parentage.
Emma and Snow had been doing an excellent job keeping him out of the loop. For his own good because they didn't need him to share the guilt from all of this. In this case, ignorance really was bliss.
"Are you making your mommy happy? Are you being a good girl?" He asked Rowan as if he was expecting an answer. The baby simply smiled in response. "I'll take that as a yes." He said before kissing her forehead. He looked back up at Emma. "I'm glad you're happy, Em. This is your happy ending. Rowan, Hook, your family..."
Emma visibly flinched at the mention of Hook. She didn't exactly feel like he was a part of her happy ending. She never did and those times that she said that he was... She had been lying.
In fact she felt that a part of her was missing. Two parts that she couldn't look pass.
She forced a smile. She didn't know how to tell her father that she planned to leave Hook. He already didn't particularly like the union to begin with but he learned to tolerate it for her sake. She didn't have the heart to crush him at that moment when he seemed so happy to be surrounded by his family. "Right."
Just before her discomfort could get any more unbearable she was rescued by none other than Granny Lucas materializing at their table.
Emma looked over at the diner owner, silently thanking her. Granny simply gave her a warm smile as if she understood but Emma knew that she didn't. She was just happy to see Emma out and about.
Granny had just stopped aging all together. She was still just as spunky and feisty as ever. Emma had sincerely missed her in the days she had been cooped up. The woman was like the grandmother she never had.
"Oh my..." Granny gasped as she took in the newest member of the Charming family resting securely in her grandfather's arms. "Rowan, you get prettier every time I see you." She glanced back at Emma. "Those eyelashes and those dimples are just overkill."
Emma chuckled. "Thank you, Granny."
Granny dipped her head in acknowledgement. She then appraised Emma carefully before she spoke. "Motherhood looks good on you. If only I could look that good after having Ruby's mother. Are you nursing?" She motioned to her own chest. "Because you look... fuller."
Emma's cheeks began instantly heating up and Snow laughed while Charming turned a deep red. Neal however, appeared completely oblivious to the conversation as he typed away on his phone. Lucky him.
"Yeah..." Emma's voice cracked. She cleared her throat before speaking again. "Yes. I'm nursing."
"Oh okay. Well that will keep you tight and firm. Also it'll help you get rid of some of the weight- which by the looks of it..." She examined Emma a bit more. "There isn't much to get rid of."
"I know right." Snow agreed. "She barely gained anything and she doesn't even look like she had a baby."
Emma's blush only deepened. She always got a bit shy with compliments. Which she knew was strange because she was well aware that she was definitely far from average. In fact she was flat out gorgeous. It was simply hearing it from other people that made her feel a bit self conscious.
Granny must have caught on to this because she chuckled. "Okay, let's stop putting Emma on the spot. She may just turn into a tomato."
Emma laughed awkwardly and rubbed at the back of her neck. "Yeah well..."
Snow giggled and Granny shook her head. "How's she sleeping and eating? All good?"
Emma nodded. Now her baby was something she didn't mind speaking and bragging about. "Yeah. She's eating great and sleeping like a rock. I'm sure she's good."
Granny nodded her understanding. "Well, judging by those cheeks she's not missing a single meal!"
Emma snorted. "She likes to eat."
Granny nodded again. "I can tell." She chuckled then. "Speaking of which... I'll hurry up because I know what that's like."
Emma glanced at her daughter. She seemed content playing with her grandfather who was basically tuning them out. Emma had just fed Rowan before they left for the diner. She had a few hours before she would want to eat again. Emma's stomach on the other hand did not, if the loud rumble was anything to go by.
Granny's brows rose before she let out a small laugh at Emma's slight embarrassment. "Okay, okay. I'm assuming you're all ready to order."
Emma grinned wide. Was she ever. "I thought you'd never ask..."
Emma spent lunch with her family then she went back with them to their house to spend a little more time with them. She loved it there.
Their new place was a nice house with two floors, an attic and a basement. There were four bedrooms, two baths and one in her parent's room. Oh, she thought the house was absolutely beautiful and she spent lots of time there before the baby.
It was peaceful. They owned their own little patch of land. There was a stable located to the side of the house where they held about three horses and out back was a nice little garden where her mother grew most of their vegetables.
They sat out back for most of the day on the patio where they had a lovely view of the garden and the woods beyond it. Emma loved the sight of all of the flowers and trees. Rowan seemed to like the fresh air and little bit of sunlight she had gotten as well. She really enjoyed the bluebirds that landed on the table or on Emma's shoulder to get a look at her. Emma loved the way her daughter, so young was so curious about her world already and she was so excited to teach her everything.
They both enjoyed their outing and Emma felt true disappointment when it started to get late. They had dinner with her family which was just like old times. Her worries were gone for a moment, chased away by her father's corny jokes and puns that were so bad that she had to laugh and her mother's stories about her students at school. Time seemed to fly by and just like that Emma was loading Rowan into one of her brother's old car seats then into the back of her mother's car so that her father could give her a ride home.
The ride was nice and all fun and games- with her father cracking jokes about the dwarves, until she saw her blue house looming in the distance. She felt an impending doom cloud her and she really did not want to get out of that car but for the sake of not wanting to worry her father, she thanked him with a hug and climbed out. She grabbed Rowan, placed her back into the stroller and the two of them headed into the house.
Once inside, she fought away the heavy pain with keeping herself busy. She went about her nightly routine then bathed Rowan. By the time she was finished with it all, the baby was ready to eat again before bed. They retired to the nursery then.
Emma settled into the white wooden rocking chair gifted to her from Marco and August that was made to match the swan shaped cradle that they built for the child. Both items matched the peacefulness of the room. Emma had the room painted a soft lavender and white clouds decorated the walls. The rug was white and fluffy to give the illusion of clouds. A giant stuffed swan sat in the corner not too far from the white changing table. Various giant stuffed animals adorned the room from two pink unicorns and a purple Dragon- gifted to Rowan from Lily. There were mermaids on the dresser and a giant stuffed whale close by, a bit of the man who Emma thought was her daughter's father.
She would leave those there when he's gone however because Rowan would be fond of the mermaids. She was positive.
The calm quiet room was the perfect place to wind down for the night. In fact she could have stayed there cuddling with Rowan for the entire night, if she wasn't trying to teach Rowan to sleep on her own. She knew that wouldn't last because she needed Rowan with her just as much as the baby needed her company.
When Rowan was finally finished eating she turned her face away and looked up at her mother expectantly. She reached up a tiny hand for her mother's face but Emma was too far away from her. Emma chuckled softly at the tiny hands reaching for her. She buttoned her shirt and lifted the baby, placing her against the soft white cloth on her shoulder.
"We need to come up with a plan." Emma muttered as she patted the baby's back. "We have to go meet up with your mommy but how? There's always the use of a magic bean or a portal. With Regina and Gold both gone it would be kind of difficult to figure it out. Maybe Zelena..."
Emma shook her head because then she would have to tell her why. Zelena already hated her as it was. They have to do this alone. They'll figure it out.
"First we have to tell Hook." Emma whispered. Rowan fussed a bit at the mention of the shadow that lives in their house. She had woken up plenty of times in her crib and found the man hovering above her. He wasn't scary but she wasn't fond of him either.
She would whimper a bit telling him that she needed to be changed or fed. He seemed to understand her for the most part. He would pick her up gently and even though he didn't smell as nice as her mommy he was kind to her. She liked him enough when he sang to her sometimes. He had a nice voice but she liked her mother's singing voice better. Both put her to sleep just the same though.
Rowan threw her mother a bone and belched without putting up much of a fight.
"Oh, that's my big girl." Emma muttered softly as she lowered the baby back into the crook of her arm. She began wiping her mouth with the cloth. When the princess was all cleaned up, Emma tapped the baby's nose with the cloth. The baby's eyes widened in surprise then the tiniest of smiles graced her little face. Emma laughed softly as her chest filled with more love for her daughter. "You are amazing."
The baby had no idea what her mother was saying but the smile and the adoration in her eyes made her smile grow even wider.
"You are so smiley, honey." Emma said and the baby's brows came together and she wrinkled her nose as if she was offended by Emma's observation. "Don't give me that attitude." She said through a chuckle. "You are so much like her."
The baby smiled again and began kicking her little feet. Emma took one into her hand and played with the little sock covered toes. The baby stopped for a moment and furrowed her brows just so she could enjoy her mother's touch for a moment then she was right back to playing. Emma chuckled and the baby simply kept her eyes on her as she put her tiny knuckles into her mouth.
Emma ran her hand over the baby's head and bent to kiss her forehead. That only entertained Rowan even more.
The squeak of the nursery door opening drew her attention and the smile fell from her face as she looked over and found Hook standing there in the doorway.
The man looked like hell. His eyes were tired and red rimmed, his face was covered in hair and his clothes were wrinkled and practically hanging off of him. He looked drunk and just miserable.
His bloodshot eyes landed on Emma and the baby and he smiled sadly. "I haven't seen you look this content since your queen friend was still around and you would come in late at night from spending time with her."
The baby's eyes widened when she heard the man's voice. He sounded funny and she almost didn't recognize him. She looked up at her mother who gave her a soft smile before looking back at their guest.
"Hook, you look tired. You should go lie down." She suggested in a neutral tone that wouldn't upset the infant.
The man scoffed. He leaned against the doorframe and stared at Emma as if he could see into her very soul. His deep blue eyes held her emerald ones for a moment before he snorted. The sudden sound caused Rowan to jump and before she could get upset, her whimper was cut off by her purple pacifier being popped into her mouth. Emma began rocking her gently to keep her calm.
"Shall I lie down in our bed, Swan?" He asked with an amused raise of his brows. Her stomach knotted at him calling her by her last name, something he hadn't done since they married.
Emma shrugged. A part of her felt that she deserved this. She married him because she thought it could help suppress her feelings for Regina only to end up cheating on him with the woman she loved anyway. She could see why he was so hurt and she understood why he was lashing out.
Sharing a home with someone you thought was your true love only to find out that that person's heart and soul belongs to someone else is devastating.
"Hook, you can take the bedroom tonight. I'll crash in the guestroom. It's fine."
He laughed bitterly then. "Right. Gods forbid you sleep with your husband."
"Hook..." Emma sighed.
"Emma, I don't know what you want." The desperation in his voice all but broke her heart. "I already know that she isn't mine but I stayed because she's a part of you and I'm trying to love her."
Emma looked down at her baby. The little girl had a fist full of her hair and her brown eyes were locked on her. Emma gave her a reassuring smile and the baby sighed in response. Emma sighed as well. There was no surprise that he knew. How couldn't he? Rowan looked damn near like Regina's tiny clone. Every time Emma looked at her that was all she saw.
But him expressing this verbally changed everything and it made it all the more real. He looked so hurt and drained. She understood that she did this but she didn't know what to say. There was nothing to say so she said the only thing that she could. "Hook, I'm sorry." And she knew that wasn't enough but she meant it.
He nodded. "Me too." He said quietly. "Do you want me to leave? I think it would be best if she didn't grow up thinking I was her father."
Emma's stomach leapt into her throat and her heart stalled. She had no idea why she felt that for a man she never loved but maybe it was because they had been together for so long and letting go had always been difficult for her. "She doesn't know any different..."
"I meant it's not good for me." He said as his eyes fell to the white carpet of the nursery. He was trying his damnedest not to look at the baby. "All I ever wanted was to start a family with you, Emma, and I was so excited when you told me you were pregnant. Then I saw her. Her skin, her eyes, her hair... everything looks like her..." he spat the last word out with so much hate. "I just knew she wasn't mine. I don't know how you and the queen managed to do it but you did."
"True love..." Emma admitted barely above a whisper.
He chuckled dryly. "Of course. Something you never felt for me..."
"Hook... I am so sorry." Emma said mustering as much composure as she could. She was shaking slightly and she knew that Rowan could feel it because she began squirming and fussing. "Let me put Rowan down and we can talk."
He shook his head. "Rowan... I don't know why I didn't see it. We all liked 'Hope' but you chose that. You named our baby after her."
"It's no worse than my parents naming my brother after Neal." She snapped. "If it weren't for her we wouldn't have even met."
"So now I have her to thank for my failed happy ending?" He asked with a raised brow. He laughed. "Wow Swan, you never fail to amaze me. You are a puzzle."
Emma scowled at the jab. "Don't mock me." She warned with a glare. She understood that he was angry but he was not going to disrespect her, especially not in front of her daughter. She would not allow it.
"Like the way you and the queen made a fool of me?"
"We didn't..."
"You cheated on me and got pregnant by her..." Hook cut her off. "Then never told me. If the princess didn't look so much like her, I wouldn't have even known that you cheated."
He had a point. She hated that but he did. "The cheating was a mistake but I'm not sorry it happened because it gave me Roe. I am sorry you were hurt. That's my only regret. My inability to walk away is my weakness."
"Yes well, the damage is already done." He said simply and right then and there Emma knew that nothing she said could ever make this better. It was too soon and the wounds were still so raw. "We can't fix this. I think it's best that she grows up with her true family." He shrugged his shoulders and his eyes met hers. His head fell again and he was staring back at the rug. "Start the process of severing this union..." he continued softly. "Whatever papers you would like me to sign, I'll sign. It's what's best for your daughter..."
Emma's brows came together and she frowned a bit. He was asking her for a divorce. This was a good thing but she still felt that everything was happening too fast. "Killian, I-"
He shook his head. "It's alright, Emma. Shit happens." He shrugged again. He looked up at Emma. She could see the tears building up in his eyes. "I just thought that Regina was finished destroying everyone's happy endings but it turns out that she's still just as evil as she's always been. She's still just leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in her wake. Some things never change. Once a villain, always a villain, aye?"
Emma felt anger and offense fill her chest. Regina wasn't the villain here and Hook calling her that pissed her off. Regina worked too hard to have the title 'villain' erased from her name for Emma to allow someone like Hook to say such things. "We didn't mean for you to get hurt." She said sharply.
"And yet, I did."
Emma sighed, her anger dissipating at his words, giving way to remorse and sympathy. "I'm so sorry." She said for the umpteenth time.
"So you keep saying." he muttered emotionless. He shook his head again. He was barely suppressing the tears and his voice was tight as he began speaking again, "Some savior you are." He said softly and before Emma could respond he continued, "I'm going to spend the night on the ship and I'll be back for my things in the morning..."
Emma didn't try to stop him and in fact said nothing as he began backing out of the room. He stopped and stared at her for a moment as if trying to memorize her just like that. Their eyes met again, the tears were spilling over and Emma could feel the building pressure of her own in her head. Hook sighed deeply and hung his shoulders then turned and left the two of them alone.
Once she could no longer hear his footfalls fading into silence, Emma let out a soft sigh and leaned back against the rocking chair causing the two to begin rocking back and forth again.
She looked down at the baby. Her daughter's eyes were growing heavy and she yawned, causing her pacifier to fall out of her mouth. Emma quickly popped it back in as the baby shut her mouth.
She could feel the pressure building up in her head and behind her eyelids still and she was pleading with herself not to cry in front of Rowan. All she wanted to do was breakdown and fall apart. She was so exhausted. Not from motherhood. That was the only thing that was simple in her life but she was tired of the mess she had made and not knowing how to clean it up. Also the guilt she felt for breaking Hook's heart and letting Regina go was crushing her.
She hated that she was so scared to be who she truly was that she created so much chaos and dragged her little girl into it.
"You deserve so much better than this." She whispered as her daughter drifted off. She kept her eyes on her beautiful sleeping child and she felt a serious amount of remorse. "Maybe I am the true villain of this story." She muttered as tears filled her eyes. They finally spilled over and began trickling down her warm cheeks but she swiped them away before they dripped on the baby.
She was so grateful that she managed to hold it together as to not cry in front of her daughter. Her vision blurred with tears. She heard the front door shut and that was when a small sob escaped her.
She had no idea what she was going to do now. Everything was crumbling around her so fast and the person that usually had all of the answers is a world away from her. She was alone now with her much too heavy secrets and she felt so lost.
Rowan fussed a bit and snugged closer to her chest and suddenly the ache in Emma's heart began to subside.
She wasn't alone though. She had a tiny part of Regina to keep her company. She needed to keep it together for her. She wanted to assure her daughter that it will all be okay.
She kissed the baby's forehead and began rubbing her head gently. "We're going to be okay. We will all heal in time." She whispered. "I promise."
She knew they would be and now there was a possibility for a true happy ending. Rowan would show her the way. She knew that her little girl would lead her to exactly where she needed to be.
This gave her hope. She and Rowan can now start over. She was ready to set off to find her real destiny.
There was a tiny flicker of happiness ahead of them. She just had to reach out and grab it. That's all they needed right now.
Emma kissed Rowan's forehead again. "We're okay." She whispered. "Let's go start our real story."
Thanks for reading!
They will be reunited with Regina and Henry soon...