Missing Henry

Fangirl448 asked for a oneshot of Emma going to Charming upset after Henry leaves.

When Charming opened the door that afternoon, he wasn't sure exactly what he was expecting. Maybe a delivery, or a cold caller, even a neighbour coming to borrow something. He certainly wasn't expecting who was actually there.

"Emma?" Charming asked, rather alarmed. It wasn't just average Emma who was at the door. It was an Emma in floods of tears. A sight Charming had only seen a handful of times. "Sweetheart, whatever is the matter?" He asked in his concerned father tone as he wrapped an arm around Emma's shoulders and ushered her into the living room.

"He-Henry." Emma choked out.

"What about Henry? Is he hurt?" Charming asked as he sat down with Emma at the couch. Emma shook her head.

"He-he left." Emma added. "Author's t-travels." She explained. Now Charming understood. Emma was so distraught because Henry had finally made good on his promises to begin to travel the realms as the Author. She was a mother upset at losing her child. Charming understood. When Emma was talking about moving back to New York he was horrified. He couldn't imagine Emma being so far away when they'd only just got her back.

"Oh honey." He said sympathetically, cuddling his daughter. It was testament to how upset Emma was that not only did she allow the comfort from her father, she cuddled back into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Sweetie, Henry is going to be fine. We'll all miss him, but he'll be back. This is just something he has to do. He's a grown man now. A young one, granted, but a man none the less. It's time for him to spread his wings. Just like you had to at that age." Charming tried to reason with her. Emma sniffed.

"At that age? So you'd totally be ok with it if I decided to jet off somewhere tomorrow?" Emma mumbled. Charming chuckled.

"Fair point." He agreed. "You're not Henry's age though. You're an even older adult who knows better than to move away from parents who feed you grilled cheese and give you access to a cute baby brother." Charming pointed out. He saw Emma give a faint half smile. "See, it's not all bad." He added, nudging his head against hers. "It's all gonna be ok, Emma. You'll see. Henry will come back to you one day as a new man, and you're going to be so proud of him. The time apart will be worth it when you get to see that boy of yours again, and you know you never have to let him go again." He promised her. Emma didn't respond. She just nestled further into her father, enjoying the shielding from the pain she was currently feeling.