Well, look at that. A speedy update. Who knew I had it in me…:D

Hope ya'll like! If you do, feel free to check out my other ouat fics! Have a great day, guys! Enjoy!

By Your Side

Chapter Two: With You

Telling Henry that Regina killed Archie was one of the hardest things that Emma's ever had to do. Telling her son that one of his best friends was murdered at the hands of the women who raised him for ten years… well, it broke both of their hearts.

Tears welled in Emma's eyes as she welcomed her son's fierce hug. She put her lips to his hair, murmuring the words, "I'm sorry," before closing her eyes and holding him close.

From a distance, Snow and David watched the scene. With a frown, Snow said, "they're both devastated."

David nodded. "They have their differences. We all have our problems with Regina. But Emma was pulling for her. She wanted things to work out, for Henry."

Snow nodded in agreement. "We should take them home."

With a small smile, David took his wife's hand and together they walked down the block and across the street.

Emma looked up when she saw her parents coming. "Let's get you home," she said quietly.

Henry turned around while wiping the tears that fell from his eyes. When he spotted David, he bolted up and ran into his grandfather's arms.

David embraced Henry. He showed a look of sympathy to Snow and Emma before focusing on the boy and saying, "it's gonna be okay, pal. I promise."

Emma put her elbows to her legs and buried her face in her hands. Snow's frowned furthered as she sat down on the bench. She put her hand to Emma's back, rubbing small circles. She didn't know what to say. She couldn't find the words that would make everything better. Could any mixture of words even do that? Snow didn't think so.

Xox

Walking through the door, Henry went straight up to the loft. Emma wanted to follow, but she stopped herself. He obviously wanted to be alone.

"I, uh… I'm gonna take a walk," Emma said while heading for the door. "Can you stay with Henry?"

"Yes, of course," Snow said quickly. "But-"

"I'll be back," Emma interrupted.

With the closing of the door, Snow looked to her husband with a deep frown. "You want to go after her."

Snow nodded.

"She would have stayed if she wanted company."

"I know, I just… I wanted to be there. If she feels like talking or crying or yelling, I need to be there."

With a small smile, David nodded in understanding. "Yes you do. I'll stay with our grandson."

"Thank you," Snow said before giving her husband a kiss and hurrying from the apartment.

Emma managed to leave two blocks behind when Snow was hurrying to catch up with her. Thanks to a car coming, Emma was stopped at the corner, giving Snow the chance to make the rest of the trip.

"I'm fine," Emma said quickly.

"No, you're not," Snow countered gently.

"Well, I can deal with it. I don't need-"

"your mommy to hide behind," Snow finished.

Silence filled the air as they walked along. After a moment, Emma said, "you didn't have to do that."

"Do what?"

"Jump in front of me. I can handle Regina."

"I won't apologize for protecting you," Snow said, reminding Emma of she said earlier.

"I'm the one with the magic," Emma argued weakly.

"Well, I'm your mother. And that trumps any amount of magic you may have."

Emma couldn't help a small smile.

"You have a family now, Emma. You have a son who loves and adores you. Who sees you as the hero that you are. And you have parents who just… want to be everything they can for you. Who love you more than anything, even if that scares you…. Who want to shield you from all the bad things in the world."

Her eyes on the ground, Emma said, "I would take a bullet for that kid."

"Emma," Snow said while taking her daughter's hand to stop her. "I know this has all been a whirlwind of new and crazy, but things are different now. Maybe people walked in and out of your life before, but that won't happen again. We're your family, and we're here to stay.

Emma nodded a bit. "I know."

"No, I don't think you do," Snow argued. "While I hope, more than anything, that we can still maintain that wonderful friendship we had before, I want to be more than that. I am more than that… you're my daughter, Emma. And no matter how stubborn and hardheaded you may be, I will always be here, right here, trying to do whatever I can to help you and protect you. I know you can handle things on your own, but I don't care. I'm not going anywhere."

Emma didn't know what to say. She didn't have the strength to argue. If she were honest with herself, she would say that she didn't want to argue. That it was nice finally have someone beside her.

Surprising Snow, Emma turned and wrapped her arms around her. Snow reacted quickly as Emma propped her chin to her shoulder. Snow held her daughter tight, wishing for things to be different. For their world to be okay.

"Thanks," Emma murmured.

"No, thank you," Snow said.

"For what?"

"Everything, Emma."

The End

Thoughts before you go? Please and thank you!