Foster parents
Odette asked for a oneshot of Snowing talking to Emma about wanting to foster.
Hearing Emma's story in all its little dribs and drabs never ceased to astound Snow and Charming. The atrocities their baby girl had to go through for no real reason. It always made them feel so horrendously guilty. They should have been there. They should have protected her. At the very least, Emma had deserved a good home. That's what they expected when they sent her through that wardrobe. They expected that, as an innocent baby, she would be taken in and loved, like every child should be. With that in mind, Snow and Charming came to a major decision: they wanted to apply to foster. They got their second chance to raise a biological child They loved Neal as much as they did Emma, but they wanted to be able to give something back. They wanted to have a hand in improving the system that so badly let their daughter down. Before they applied, however, it was only right that they consulted Emma about their decision. They didn't want her to feel like they were rubbing her nose in it. So they sat Emma down, ready to explain.
"Em, your mother and I were beginning to think of something we both really want to do." Charming began, linking his hand with Snow's. "Before we do, we want to know your opinion."
"Ok…" Emma said, beginning to get nervous. "What is it?" Snow and Charming felt their heartrates racing.
"We want to apply for a fostering license." Charming blurted out quickly. Emma couldn't deny she was a little taken aback by the outburst. She hadn't expected them to say that.
"We know you had a horrendous time in the system. We want to make sure we can stop at least one other child from having that ordeal." Snow explained. "We don't want you to feel like we're rubbing salt into the wound though. We'll only do this if you'll feel comfortable." Snow explained. Emma took a moment to take it in.
"I think it's a great idea." She said quietly. Snow and Charming smiled. They had been so worried this would upset Emma.
"Really?" Charming asked. Emma nodded.
"When I was a kid, I dreamed of having foster parents like you guys. You'll really be able to make a huge difference." Emma said. "Just remember, if you're just wanting to foster the kids until they find a forever home, you need to be careful about the bonds you form. Remember that." Emma reminded them. Snow and Charming nodded. They had no doubt that bit would be tricky, but they felt they had to do this. For Emma. Emma smiled at her parents. "I'm proud to have parents like you." She said quietly. Snow and Charming felt their hearts swell. It wasn't often Emma opened up like that. Without another word being spoken, each parent got up and pulled Emma into a group hug. It looked like, in a matter of months, their family would soon be expanding.
