The grown before their time support group

Soprano Pixie asked for a oneshot of *6B spoilers!* Snowing, Rumbelle and Maleficent setting up a form of support group because they've all been through the situation of missing their child grow up. I'm just going to forget some of the events in 6x17 for this.

Five different people. Two couples and a single woman. So many differences and grievances between them. Yet, there was one key thing that connected them all: the strange way they all lost and found their child. It was Belle's idea to set up the meetings. They were the only ones who understood each other. Tensions had been high at first. Maleficent still blamed the Charmings for losing Lily, and the Charmings hadn't fully forgiven Gideon for trying to kill Emma, and Rumple just simply didn't want to be there. But Belle knew deep down, they were all getting something from their monthly meet ups. Even if it was just experiencing someone having a bit of empathy for them.

"I find it hard to be around babies, sometimes." Belle admitted at their latest meeting. "I enjoy it at the same time though. I just don't know how to feel. To me, Gideon should still be a baby. Yet he's a fully grown man. My emotions just don't know where to be."

"I felt the same." Snow admitted. "When Emma broke the curse, I was still expecting a newborn. We love our daughter dearly, but it was a real shock to the system. Having Neal was both painful and healing at the same time. We get to be full on parents, but every day we're reminded of what we missed with our firstborn. It's a strange mix of emotions."

"At least you have the luxury of a second child, and you two can have one. It's not quite so simple for me." Maleficent spat. "Dragon mating is not such an easy process, and I'm not exactly surrounded by potential mates here." Snow and Charming looked down, they were still ashamed of what they did, but they could never fully apologise for it. Not when it insured Emma's goodness.

"No, that can't be easy." Belle said sympathetically, trying to break the tension. "I'm not sure having another child is the right option for us, either." Belle admitted. "We still have to focus on Gideon. He's still…adapting."

"That means he's still fighting the urge to kill my daughter." Charming muttered quietly.

"Something to say about my son, sheriff?" Rumple hissed. Charming went to respond, but both Snow and Belle placed a calming hand on their husband's shoulder. Now wasn't the time or place.

"We promise you that Gideon will never attempt to hurt Emma again." Belle swore. Charming looked less than convinced. Belle grimaced. To her, these meetings were still a good idea, and little breakthroughs happened at each one…there was just a whole ocean of awkward to wade through in between.