Throughout her whole life, Elsa had been alone. She was locked in her room, only leaving occasionally to have a walk about the gardens. No one came to visit her, except her parents, and her governess. Mrs. Kviter was a stern, older woman who wasn't very good company, but she taught Elsa everything she knew.

Thus, Elsa was not the most comfortable with crowds of people. She became easily overwhelmed by even a few strangers. She was alright with her safe people, and could handle herself pretty well when she was at ease.

But, Christmas Day dinner at Regina's was sending her anxiety through the roof. There were nine people, ten if you counted Baby Neal, crowded around one table.

The Charmings were fine, she was used to them. Emma and Henry she could handle. Roland Hood was a child, he didn't matter. It was the others who made her a little nervous. Hook wasn't her biggest fan, especially as of late. And she couldn't forget how Regina and Robin Hood were quick to accuse her of freezing his wife. He had since apologized, but still looked at her with wariness in his eyes.

According to Emma, it was their first important holiday they were spending together as a family. Everyone seemed a little on edge.

Emma, on her right, couldn't stop bouncing her knee. David, at the end of the table to her left, couldn't stop tensing his jaw. Even Mary-Margaret, who usually played peace-maker, couldn't stop looking at everyone with apprehension, as if a fight could break out at any moment.

Henry had said it would have been worse if his other grandfather, Rumplestiltskin, and Belle attended. Henry had asked, but they said they wanted to spend their first Christmas as a married couple alone.

Elsa couldn't say she was disappointed about that, even if Belle did seem nice.

They spent the first part of the meal in silence, aside from the scraping of utensils against plates. They were having Regina's specialty lasagna instead of a more traditional Christmas dinner. Apparently, Henry told Elsa, turkey was overplayed according to Regina. Plus, everyone liked her lasagna.

Elsa didn't see anything special about it.

She wasn't in the best of moods. Maybe she was homesick, or nervous about giving Emma her gift after the meal was finished. She tried to mask it as best she could, but Emma kept glancing over at her with worry.

Henry finally broke the silence. "I think this is the best Christmas I've ever had."

"Oh, really?" Regina asked with an eyebrow arched dangerously.

"Yeah, I mean," Henry said. "I love you Mom, but our Christmases were pretty lonely, just the two of us. I like it with all of us together."

"Aww," cooed Mary-Margaret whose eyes looked a little misty.

"And even though I don't have my dad," Henry's voice cracked on the last word. "I have plenty of other family to make up for it."

Under the table, Emma grabbed Elsa's hand. Elsa squeezed it in support.

She didn't know much about Henry's father, only that he had died a short time ago. He must have been a great hero for David and Mary-Margaret to name their son after him.

Emma didn't like talking about him, and Elsa didn't want to ask Henry. He seemed to still be grieving.

"I'm sure he would've loved to be here, Henry," David told his grandson, looking sorrowful.

Elsa could see Henry swallow hard, as he nodded.

"He would have," Emma finally spoke, her voice thick with tears. "He always liked Christmas. Probably 'cause he never had one before."

"Did you celebrate with him?" Henry asked. "Before he left?"

Emma gripped Elsa's hand tightly. "Only one. He got us a tree-shaped air freshener, and hung it in the bug. He strung some thread around it. We didn't exchange presents, but we went to a shelter for a Christmas dinner. His treat, he said." Emma smiled, but a tear spilt down her cheek. "A couple months later, we were separated."

Elsa felt her heart break. She wrapped her arm around Emma, who leaned her head against her shoulder.

Mary-Margaret cleared her throat. She lifted her glass in toast, "To family. Those who are here and those who are gone. Old and new." She gave Elsa a smile.

"No matter how insane," Regina smirked, and raised her glass.

"We're always there for each other," David finished.

The family went to clink glasses, but Elsa interrupted. She felt the need to say something. "If we could pause a moment, please." Elsa stood, and took a deep breath. "I just want to say how grateful I am for all of you. I almost killed Emma, but you forgave me." She glanced around the room, a warm feeling in her chest. "I want to thank you for helping me find my sister, and a way back home. No matter what happens with my Aunt Ingrid, I'll never forget the kindness you've all shown me."

Elsa felt Emma squeeze her hand. She looked down at her friend. "And especially to Emma, who's shown me such love and kindness."

A grin spread across Emma's face. "Cheers."

The family repeated the phrase, and clinked glasses. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Killian give Emma a kiss.

She expected to feel a pang of jealousy, but instead she only felt sadness. She loved Emma, and didn't want her to be with anybody else. But more than that, she wanted Emma to be happy. She didn't know if that was with her, or with Killian, but she deserved happiness.

"Can we open presents now, daddy?" Little Roland asked his father.

"I don't know. How about we ask Regina very nicely?" Robin replied.

"Can we open presents, Regina? Please!" Roland asked, with eyes wide.

"I suppose the dishes can wait until after." Regina stood, and offered Roland her hand. "Let's go!"

Everyone stood up, and slowly made their way to the living room, excitedly chatting about what lay under the tree.

Elsa had one last chance to show Emma how much she meant to her. She hoped Emma would like it.

AN: Hope you enjoyed the little hint of Swanfire. Thank you for the reviews!