A/N: Happy Easter Monday everyone! I hope you all are having a great time and eating lots of chocolate eggs. To add to the sugar rush, I've written this short Easter fic starring our favorite family. Hope you enjoy it, please leave a comment to let me know your thoughts.

'Happy Easter!' David entered the loft with three paper bags which were filled to the brim.

He was welcomed by Snow who took the bags from him and pressed a kiss on his lips. 'Happy Easter to you too.'

Emma sent him a quick wave and an almost inaudible 'yeah, happy Easter', while Henry came out of the bathroom, immediately drawn to the bags that were now on the table. 'Happy Easter!' he chimed in.

David hurried over to him and held his hands on top of the opening of the bags so that the boy couldn't see what was inside. 'Not so fast Henry, we'll keep this a surprise to everyone until later.' When he noticed the disappointed look on his grandson's face he gave him a friendly pat on the back. 'It's going to be fun, I promise.'

Emma sent him a questioning look but didn't ask any questions.

'Hold on, I almost forgot something.' David re-opened the front door and came back with a bunch of colorful tulips which he handed to his wife.

'Why thank you Charming, they're beautiful!' she beamed and another kiss followed, Snow kissing David this time while Emma treated the pair to a hard stare.

David laughed. 'If looks could kill!'

'Oh please, give me a break,' Emma retorted.

David winked at her and Snow hurriedly diverted the topic. 'You sure you've got everything for the Easter egg hunt?'

This time Emma did look up from her breakfast for longer than a few seconds and raised a suspicious brow. 'Hold on, what Easter egg hunt?' Her parents had clearly something planned she wasn't in on and she wasn't liking it one bit.

Snow opened her mouth to reply, the guilty look confirming Emma's point about being kept out of the loop, but Henry beat her to it.

'It's the Great Storybrooke Easter Egg Hunt! Grams told us about it in class this week and everyone in town gets involved.' The excitement on the boy's face was, admittedly, highly contagious but Emma wasn't intended to let her parents off the hook that easily.

Her eyes narrowed imperceptibly and she turned her gaze to her father who took over from his grandson.

'We thought it would be a good idea to organize something fun for the whole town to enjoy, especially after everything that we've been through. Easter being the first occasion we could think of.' He looked over his shoulder to reply to the question Snow asked earlier. 'Yeah, we've got everything. I just dropped off the decorations at Granny's and the dwarves are sent off with clear instructions on where to hide the Easter eggs. And this,' he pointed to the paper bags on the table, 'are all the competition prizes. We've got all sorts, gift cards, books, toys and games for the kid's competition. All shopowners were very generous as you can see.'

Snow looked through the bags and let out an approving sound.

'By the way,' David continued, 'just a heads up about Leroy. He wasn't too pleased when we tasked him with hiding the Easter eggs, so he might be a little more grumpy than his usual self today.'

'Why?'

'Well… he said something about how a task like this was disrespectful to species who were hatched from an egg themselves, referring to him and his brothers of course.' He was trying hard to contain his laughter.

Emma couldn't suppress a snicker.

'Oh Leroy…' Snow shook her head and her lips curled up in a smile as well.

When they were all done laughing Emma crossed her arms in front of her and forced the serious look back on her face. 'I still don't understand what this Easter egg hunt exactly is? Can someone please put me out of my misery?' She dragged those final words to make it sound more dramatic.

When Snow did that thing where she hung over the kitchen island, hands open wide and with that little twinkle in her eyes, Emma realized that this had to be a big deal. Any expectations she had about a small children's easter egg hunt in the park she should let go of.

'So,' Snow started, 'we're organizing this big cook-off, but with an Easter twist. We invite all families in town to hunt for Easter eggs. Each family or couple gets to find up to ten Easter eggs, the eggs are grouped per color, and inside those eggs, we've hidden the ingredients and the recipe of the dish they've to prepare. Then tonight, everyone has to bring the food they've made to Granny's for a big Easter dinner we'll have together. We'll hand out scorecards to everyone to vote for their favorite dishes and the top five ranked ones will win a prize.'

'And kids who win the Easter egg decorating contest can win prizes too.'

'That's right Henry,' David confirmed. And then to Emma, 'we think the small children won't necessarily enjoy all that cooking and baking, so we'll organize a separate decorating contest for them in the afternoon.'

'Hmm,' Emma tapped with her fork on the table and wasn't sure how to react to all of this. One thing she did know for sure. 'Well, I'll sit this one out.' She continued eating her breakfast almost praying that that was that. It was one thing that she wasn't let in on this big plan for the town, but she sure as hell wasn't participating. All eyes on her and her family again. No, they might be royals, but that's not what she signed up for.

David and Snow looked at each other. They'd clearly been expecting this reaction from their daughter.

'Of course, you're joining in, it will be so much fun!' Snow almost glowed at this point, the idea of her whole family taking part in such a fun and carefree activity made her heart flutter with joy.

'Nope, forget about it. I've got… stuff to do.'

Now it was David's turn to raise a brow. 'Stuff to do, like what?'

Emma was driven into a corner and she didn't like being driven into a corner. 'You know, like… Sheriff stuff.' The argument was weak and she knew it.

'Right Emma, that's absolute nonsense. We have no one in custody, nothing has happened here in months and besides, we hired that new guy to patrol this Easter Weekend, remember?'

'But all the paperwork…' her voice sounded small now.

'Oh Emma, paperwork can wait. Besides, where's my daughter gone who always comes up with the most creative of excuses to avoid paperwork?'

This time she did know how to react. 'That daughter is gone together with the one who doesn't like to be lied to.' It sounded harsher than intended, but it had definitely the desired effect. The shock could be read on her parents' faces. However, the glimpse of disappointment on her son's face made her regret her harsh judgment.

'That's not fair. We didn't lie to you Emma,' David retorted. 'We simply didn't want to bother you with all the preparation nonsense. But we do hope you'll join us.'

'Please, Mom…' Henry now used his puppy eyes to try to convince her.

In fact, there were three pairs of puppy eyes trying to convince her and she caved. 'Okay, I'm in. But just so you know, I'm not going to try my best at searching because I'm way too old for an Easter egg hunt.' She held up a warning finger. 'Also, I'm taking no responsibility for any burnt, undercooked, or simply disgusting food that we as a family serve tonight.'

'Noted,' David laughed and it felt like everyone in the room released their held-in breath.

'Over there guys, I'm sure there should be one for us behind that tree over there!' Emma's step became lighter until she took off for a run, closely followed by Henry.

Snow grabbed David's hand and smiled. 'So, this is what our daughter means when she's explicitly saying that she won't do her best at searching because she's too old for that?'

'I've no idea where you get that idea from, sweetheart,' David smirked and the two of them glanced over to their daughter and grandson who now held up a yellow easter egg with great enthusiasm.

'Yes, yes we found it! Number four, kid!' Emma cried out. She opened the two sides of the plastic egg to reveal a bag of flour.

So far they had collected cocoa powder, free-range eggs, and a bag of sugar. 'It looks like we're going to bake some kind of chocolate cake,' Emma concluded from that.

'My favorite,' Henry exclaimed.

'Mine too kid.'

Snow put her head on David's shoulder and he squeezed her hand, they were sharing the same sentiment. It was one of the first times their family got to go on an outing together and the enormous love they felt for their child, grandchild and each other was overwhelming.

'Grams, Gramps, look!' Henry brought the giant Easter egg and its contents to his grandparents and Snow smiled.

'Well done! We'll keep that for you, so you guys can find a few more.' She put the egg in the basket she'd borrowed from Red.

Henry ran back up to Emma and took her hand, something he hadn't done since he was ten.

A little stumped by this, she froze for a second and looked down at their joined hands. Then, she glanced over to her parents who both smiled at her. Maybe this Easter egg hunt wasn't so bad after all.

After another half an hour of searching, they'd collected their complete set of ingredients, only the recipe itself was the single missing Easter egg they'd yet to find. They'd been all around the town as well as the forest and beach up until the town border, but they couldn't find the final yellow egg. They were heading back to the forest, the east side this time, the only side they hadn't yet covered.

While Henry was still showing an endless flow of energy, Emma was starting to lose her patience. 'Guys, you've created this Easter hunt, can't you give us just one clue? I mean, we've found all the others on our own strength, I'm sure we deserve one clue from you.' She dragged her feet over the dirt path, kicking against gravel stones as she went.

David and Snow were walking behind them, following their lead. 'What would be the fun in that?' Emma's father countered. He and Snow had decided not to help the kids in any way, so to give everyone in Storybrooke a fair chance.

She looked over her shoulder and pouted her lip. 'Daaaaad, come on…'

He flashed her a warning look which she, fortunately, took to heart.

It wasn't much later until they reached the toll bridge and Henry found the final piece of their puzzle. 'Got it!'

This time it was Emma chasing after Henry to get the giant Easter egg from between the rocks on the riverbank.

When the two were out of earshot, David turned to his wife. 'You picked this location on purpose, didn't you?'

'Perhaps…' she replied with the hint of a smile. 'Would you mind if I did?'

Their eyes locked and David's hands braided behind her neck. 'On the contrary. I think it's wonderful that you chose the Toll Bridge for our final Easter egg,' he whispered into her ear.

She felt his warm breath on her cheek and her skin started to tingle. 'I'm glad,' she muttered and her lips moved closer to his.

He tasted that familiar, sweet taste that never could be replaced by anything else. The humming sound she made as he locked their lips in a longer, more passionate kiss, was out of this world.

'David… the kids…' she breathed and pulled back, against both of their wills.

'Yes, David. The kids,' Emma echoed.

Snow and David looked to their right and saw an impressed Henry and a less impressed Emma staring at them.

'I'm sorry you had to see this kid. Scarred for life,' she added.

David looked back at Snow and knew they shared the same idea. 'What did you say there, Emma?' He asked while both he and his wife ran up to her, threatening her with air kisses.

She took off running in the opposite direction and couldn't suppress a jolt of laughter at her parents' ridiculous behavior. 'Go away, leave me alone!' When she neared a large rock that blocked the path, she prepared herself for a big leap to cross it. As she launched herself, she almost immediately felt her right foot caught on the hard surface of the rock. She fell, face forward, into the sand and could barely catch herself with both hands to break the fall. Her foot however twisted in the wrong direction which gave a shooting pain in her ankle. As she sat herself down, she grabbed her ankle with both hands determined not to let her family know how much pain she had.

'Emma!'

'Mom?'

'Emma, are you okay?' David kneeled beside her and looked at her hands that were covering her ankle. 'Can I take a look at that Em?' He gently pried her hands away from the sore spot and noticed the swollen and already blue-turning ankle.

Emma swallowed back the tears that were pricking behind her eyes. 'It's not as bad as it looks. Look, I can easily stand on it if I want to.' To add extra power to this claim, she used her hands and knees to pull herself up. The moment she puts weight on her right ankle, however, another jolt of pain shot right through her, and she had to lift her foot off the ground to stop it. 'Auch,' she exclaimed with gritted teeth.

'Sweetheart, you can't walk with that ankle, you'll only make it worse,' Snow concluded after having seen the damage.

'It's only a short walk through the forest until we get home, I'll be fine.'

'No Emma, your mother is right. There's no way you can walk with that ankle. I'll carry you.'

Hold on, she wasn't a little girl anymore now was she? 'No, you're not!'

'As soon as we're back in town I promise you can hop on one leg when Snow and I can support you on both sides, but it's still too far a walk to do that from here,' he said with an air of finality.

Emma knew she didn't have a choice. She had to be carried like a baby for her to be able to get anywhere. No cars could reach this part of the forest and she couldn't hop all that far on one leg. 'Alright then,' she sighed.

David lifted her up from the ground, holding one arm underneath her knees and the other to support her back. She felt light to him and he knew he would be able to carry her for miles and miles if it would be needed. He would always help and protect his little girl.

Emma rolled her eyes when she noticed the loving look of her mother looking at them. Internally on the other hand, she was okay with being in the strong arms of her father. It made her feel safe and it reminded her of how much she had wanted this when she was a little girl. 'Thanks, dad,' she then also whispered when they neared the town and he lowered her gently.

'Anytime, Princess.'

Snow handed the basket with Easter eggs to Henry and hurried over to David and Emma to help her daughter walk the rest of the way home. 'You can lean on us, sweetheart.'

When they arrived back home, Emma received clear instructions from her parents to ice her ankle and have it lifted at all times. They put her on a chair opposite another chair with a pillow on top she could rest her foot on.

She did manage to get out of a few baking activities, but Snow made sure to give her at least a few things to do.

'Just add the milk, eggs, and cocoa powder in the bowl and mix it well. The measurements are on the recipe,' she instructed as she put down a bowl and the ingredients on the table in front of Emma.

Soon enough the delicious smell of a chocolate cake filled the loft as it was baking in the oven.

While they waited for the cake to be done, Snow crouched down next to Emma with a new ice pack in her hand and observed the damage as she removed the old one. 'It looks like the swelling is going down, how's the pain?'

Emma turned her foot from left to right and noticed the pain had become less too. 'Feeling a little better.'

'That's great, Emma,' Snow agreed as she put on the fresh ice pack. 'Give it a few days and you'll be good as new.'

'Thanks, mom.' She took a deep breath. 'And, mom…? Sorry for how I behaved this morning. I know you guys didn't want to tell me because you knew I'd react like this. It's not that I do it on purpose, it's just because…'

Snow put a hand on her leg. 'Hey, don't worry, you don't need to explain. It was wrong of us not to include you from the get-go. We need to learn too.'

A smile of relief brightened Emma's face.

That evening, the family entered the diner with their homemade chocolate cake all boxed up.

Granny's looked amazing, with Easter bunny decorations and baskets with chocolate eggs covering the place. A large banner with ''Happy Easter!'' hung from one end of the wall to the other, while the easter eggs the children had decorated that afternoon were put inside frames that hung between the windows.

Everyone was invited to put their homemade dishes on large buffet tables, so David put the cake at the end together with the other desserts, while their friends and other Storybrooke residents trickled in and complimented him and his wife on the organization of this fun Easter activity.

'We couldn't do it without everyone's help,' Snow replied humbly.

Emma didn't feel comfortable with getting all that attention and hopped over to Red, who was currently placing the scorecards on each table.

'Hey you, what happened?' her friend asked, pointing at the two crutches Emma was leaning on.

'Well, let's just say I got a little carried away during this afternoon's Easter egg hunt,' the blonde laughed. 'I borrowed these from the hospital, but hopefully, I won't need them much longer. It kind of sucks being a cripple and all.'

Red nodded. 'I can imagine! Here, have a seat, this your guys' table right here. I'll bring you over a drink.'

'Thanks, Red!'

She was quickly joined by her parents and Henry, who'd already snuck in a piece of cake. Snow cast him a warning look, which Emma noted. 'As long as you at least try some of the other food I don't mind you starting with dessert,' she assured him, ignoring her mother's strict stare.

Food marked the evening and the family tried most of the dishes that were made and scored each of them. Obviously, the competition was just for fun, but a lot of people took it very seriously, especially Emma. While cooking and baking weren't her specialties, eating food on the other hand was and she portrayed herself as one of the brutal judges on cooking shows.

That lead to a lot of laughter on her family's side, something she didn't quite understand. They were here to judge the food, right?

'Okay, I'm full,' Henry exclaimed and put a hand on his belly for effect.

David and Snow had finished a couple of rounds ago and were now onlooking in awe over the fact how much their daughter could eat.

'Be careful not to get sick from overeating,' her mother warned her.

'I won't,' she replied with her mouth full.

The stomach ache started before the nauseousness and she should've stopped there, yet she didn't. That this turned out to be a big mistake she discovered as she jumped up and failed due to the pain in her ankle, resulting in her falling back into the chair.

Snow could tell from how white her daughter's face had become that something was awry and had an inkling why Emma had wanted to get up so quickly. 'Here, let me help you, she offered and handed her both crutches.

Emma grabbed those gratefully and hurried, as fast as she could, towards the ladies' room, closely followed by her mother. When they arrived at the toilet area, she went into a cubicle and almost wanted to close the door, but Snow held her hand against it.

'Don't worry sweetheart, everything's going to be okay, but please let me help you this time.'

She sat down - crouching not being an option with her injured ankle - and put up the toilet seat, while Snow sat down behind her and held back her long hair. After the first wave a second wave followed.

Her mother kept running circles on her back with her hand and whispered comforting words in her ear, making it a less frightening experience.

Once she was sure that everything was out, she flushed the toilet and let Snow help her up. They slowly walked over to the washroom sinks where she washed her hands and washed out her mouth with water. 'You don't have to say it,' she said when she felt her mother's stare piercing her skin. 'I know I ate too much.'

'That you did,' Snow said, but smiled at the same time, putting an arm over her daughter's shoulder. 'What do you think, ready to go back in?'

She shook her head and laughed at her own stubbornness. 'Sure.'

Later that night, after the prizes were handed out - the Charmings winning a gift card to Jaq's Electronics - the tables in the middle of the diner were cleared and the music was turned up.

David and Snow danced for a little while and even Henry was led to the dance floor by his other mother, who was all too pleased to be able to spend time with her son.

Emma observed it all from their booth and couldn't help but smile. Everyone seemed so happy, which in turn had the same effect on her. Occasionally, some of her friends would join her so she wouldn't be alone the entire time and she caught up with most of them.

After a while, her mother slipped in the booth opposite her while her father held out his hand to her. 'Join me for this dance, Princess?'

'You should really stop calling me that,' Emma laughed. 'Besides, have you seen the state I'm in? There's no way I can dance tonight with that ankle.'

'Yeah, you're not getting out of this so easily,' he assured her as he brought back a wheelchair from the back of the diner. 'The hospital had more than just those crutches we could borrow,' he explained.

She was stunned. How had he been able to take that thing without her noticing it. 'Forget it. I might be a temporary cripple, but no way in hell you're getting into one of those,' she talked back.

It happened exactly like it had that morning. Three pairs of puppy dog eyes were looking at her intently and she caved. Especially the pleading eyes of her dad did the trick this time. She pulled herself up from the booth and hopped over to the wheelchair in which she took a seat, her arms once again crossed.

David pushed her towards the dancefloor and turned the chair so that they were now facing each other. The song ''Daughters'' by John Mayer started playing just as he held out both of his hands which she eventually grabbed hold of and the two started their dance.

Emma was impressed. She knew he was a great dancer, but never expected him to be this skilled in wheelchair dancing as well. 'Have you done this before?'

He shook his head while he spun her around. 'No, I haven't, it's pure instinct I think?' He pushed her forward and then pulled her back before he spun her around once more.

The two were so engrossed in their dance that they hadn't noticed that the floor emptied until they were the only two left.

Snow looked at the two with pride, tears blocking the view from time to time. She felt the comforting arm of her best friend around her shoulder and smiled. 'I don't think I could be feeling any happier than I'm feeling right now,' she said quietly so that only Red could hear.

She looked over to Henry who was standing next to Regina. He was the reason they were all together on this night. Not just that, he was the one responsible for repairing their family and keeping them together. Without her grandson, they wouldn't all be here.

The boy had clearly noticed her looking at him, as he waved at her. She waved back and directed her attention back to the magical father- and daughter dance that was happening right in front of her. Yes, she had always believed in happy endings, but it was this night that she was truly convinced of the fact that she'd found it.