And now, it is time to say goodbye…
Chapter Twenty-Five: Feels Like Home
1 ½ Years Later
Emma was trying to sit as perfectly still as she could in the chair that Snow was making her sit in. Carefully, her mother was braiding her hair, glancing at her to smile every so often. "You sure if it's okay that I do this?"
"I'm terrible at it," Emma told her with a laugh. "For 16 years, I had handmaidens to do it for me."
"I suppose that's true." A twinkle of glee filled Snow's eyes. "Do you miss it?"
"Surprisingly, no."
After returning from where she and August had grown up, the Charming family had held a meeting for the entire town to vote on the matter of whether or not they should return to the Enchanted Forest. They explained it wasn't impossible to do so, but major construction would have to happen and there was the issue of the villagers that had already been claiming the land as their own-they enjoyed having no rulers and weren't going to back down without a fight. No one wanted a war, especially since the people there were kind and had figured out their one community. They also shared Alise and Hank's offer to allow their two kingdoms to merge into one. Much to Emma's surprise, no one wanted to do that either. Instead, they were all fine with staying in Storybrooke.
Yes, it had been their prison for 16 years but it wasn't like that anymore. They had adapted to their new jobs and community. It was safe, they all seemed to get along much better. Regina decided as much as she had liked the land she had created, she would go to Oz. She had worked out a deal with Dorothy and the other rulers there that she would help make sure that Zelena and Derek were no longer a threat, whether it to be that realm or any other. Before she left, she had arranged it so those who wanted to leave town could and would have the ability to return if they so chose to, but at the same time the only way outsiders could get in was with the permission of someone who was a resident. Until then, Storybrooke didn't appear on any map or show up in a GPS system. It was their own corner of the world.
Rumple and Belle had returned with Baelfire not long after Emma and Tinkerbell came back. No one had expected that, but apparently, Bae had spent centuries trapped in Neverland. It was no place for their family to start their happy ending. Emma had come to understand just how desperate Rumple was after learning his story. She, herself, had acted selfishly when trying to find her own parents. Rumple and Belle debated leaving Storybrooke but once they caught wind of Regina's decision to leave, they decided to stay. Rumple's role in the curse had been revealed and it did cause tension, but given the fact that Snow and Charming had done all they could to try to forgive everyone else, they let it go. The Stiltskins and the Charmings weren't nessecarily friends, but they were able to cohabitate and get along just fine.
Snow and Charming kept their posts as the mayor and sheriff, ensuring they could protect the town and be its rulers. Emma was technically still a princess, but she no longer felt the pressure of being one. In fact, now that it was her 18th birthday, she could become a rookie for her father's police force. Regina had offered the family her mansion before moving and they had accepted, though they ended up knocking it down so they could rebuild a new one. It wasn't like their palace back where they came from, but it was home for them. Charming and Emma had adjusted to the modern technology and the latter now probably knew more than those that had the fake memories of it.
August had gotten his inheritance left behind to him by Odette and used some of it to purchase a home large enough for him, Tink, Geppetto and Jiminy. He ended up taking over for the Storybrooke Gazette, finding that writing was his passion. Jiminy kept up with being the town's psychiatrist and given all the citizens had been through, he was very busy. Geppetto kept up his work in his shop and found the Charmings to be his biggest customers when they were remodeling their home. They had all found a way to forgive him for his role in everything, knowing that being angry wouldn't change the past. Plus, they were all connected through Emma and August. Tink had taken some time to adjust to the new world and went around from job to job for a bit, before deciding to teach self-defense classes at town hall.
Despite everyone finding their grove in Storybrooke, they did still hold some traditions from the Enchanted Forest, one of them being balls for special occasions. It was Emma's birthday and that was no exception. However, unlike the ones she had growing up, she didn't have to make a speech or feel pressured to be perfect. She could just be Emma. To be able to celebrate with her friends and family, especially given how long it took for it to be possible, was all that mattered.
"Are you sure you should be standing so much, though?" Emma asked her mom. "You probably can't even dance much tonight, right?"
"No, you're right about that, but I'll be damned if I don't help my baby get ready for her birthday ball," Snow said, pausing to stroke Emma's cheek. "You are still my baby, you know? Even with this little one on the way?"
Emma smiled. "I do, Mom. I promise." She twisted around in her seat to see Snow's baby bump, smiling as she placed a hand on it.
At first, Snow and Charming had put off trying to conceive Not only were they busy trying to make Storybrooke into a town they all could enjoy, they also wanted to work on continuing to make their family stronger. Emma did look at them as her parents and they had accepted that in her mind, she would always have two sets. However, it didn't mean it was all smooth sailing. Despite being older, Alise had been right: she still needed parents in more than just someone to call Mom and Dad. She needed discipline and structure, something she was hesitant to allow Snow and Charming to give. They also had to learn how to better parent a child that was almost grown, but still needed guidance. It wasn't easy, but they had found their way. Emma had come to trust Charming fully. She knew he wasn't flawless, but also trusted that he was always going to be honest with her. Who he presented himself to be, was who he was. That's all she asked for, she didn't need for him to be like Derek. As for Snow, she had long stopped comparing her to Odette. They were two different people, with two different styles and that was okay.
Her parents allowed her to talk about both of them, whether it was to discuss about how much she missed Odette or the betrayal she felt by Derek. They had created portals so Alise and Hank would be able to visit and vice versa along Regina being able to go back and forth to Oz. It did mean that Emma had the opportunity to visit Derek in prison if she wanted, but she hadn't done it and didn't plan to for a while. She hadn't been able to forgive him yet for any of his transgressions, but especially for how he treated August and for murdering her mother. August had no desire to see him either, he had long gotten over his childhood but what he did to Tinkerbell and Odette was unforgivable in his mind. He could rot for all he cared.
Snow and Charming didn't even think they would have another child for another few years at least. Due to the curse, they were still in younger bodies and knew they had time. Their main focus was making sure that Emma was transitioning to everything okay. Despite it being nearly 2 years since everything happened, there was still stuff to work through. But then, they had a double date with August and Tink which lead to a few too many rounds of shots and a few weeks later, Whale was confirming her pregnancy.
Emma was unsure on how to feel first. Despite the constant reassurance that it hadn't been done to replace her, she was nervous. Would they love the new baby more than they loved her? Not to mention the jealousy that the baby would get to know them from day one-yes, she had what she believed to be a good childhood, but she wished she could've also spent it with her parents. However, she had seen Jiminy and now that Snow was nearing the end of her pregnancy, she was okay with it. She was sure issues would arise, they still did even as their small unit of 3. She didn't expect perfection, she was happy with their weird little family. Not to mention, it was going to be a plus not being the youngest anymore. Although, August's comments about her always being the baby were not helping.
"Well," Snow said, stepping back. "What do you think?"
"It's beautiful, Mom," Emma replied with a smile. Her eyes glanced down at her dress, not like the ones Odette and Alise had once picked out for her. Snow had designed the dress herself, with the help of Granny to make it. It was red with a tulle skirt, definitely comfortable and something she would be able to dance in. "Thank you, so much."
"Anything for you," Snow told her, kissing her cheek. She was wearing a dress similar to Emma's, though of course hers had been designed for someone that was 7 months along. "There is one more thing I wanted to give you."
"Mom…" Emma felt that with every holiday, her parents went too overboard. She knew they were trying to make up for lost time but found it to be completely unnecessary.
Snow waved her off and reached into the drawer of her vanity, pulling out a wrapped box. "Happy birthday."
She opened up the box, gasping at the contents inside. It was a tiara, but not just any one. It was the one her mother had told her stories about. Eva had used the very one to teach Snow that every person mattered and that even non-royals deserved a chance to wear crows. Emma had her own tiaras from her old kingdom, but this was one special. It was one that ran in the family, a part of her life in Storybrooke.
"Are you sure you want me to have this?" Emma asked.
Snow nodded. "Yes. It's a family heirloom and I can't think of anyone I would rather see wear this."
Snow settled the tiara into her hair and Emma reached up to touch it before taking Snow's hand and meeting her glance. Both had tears welling in their eyes. For so long, Emma hadn't known that Snow existed and now she couldn't picture her life without her.
"Come on, I think your father is waiting on us," Snow told her, helping her to her feet.
Together, they walked downstairs where Charming stood. Rumple had been kind enough to let him dig through the shop to find an old outfit of his from the Enchanted Forest. Snow thought he looked incredibly dashing and had she not been heavily pregnant, her first thought would've been about taking it off him once the ball was over.
However, Charming was looking over at Emma. How was it possible that she looked more grown up in the 2 years that he had known her? He had seen her all dressed for a ball a couple of times by then, but it still brought tears to his eyes. There was his little princess, no matter how old she got, that's what she would be. His eyes next looked at Snow. She was stunning, as always. Even 7 months pregnant, she managed to take his breath away. After all of the years, she was still the one he wanted to spend his life with. How lucky was he to have two beautiful girls that adored him and that he adored back?
"Well, aren't you two beautiful?" He asked, stepping forward to kiss his wife and hug his daughter. He spotted her tiara and his grin widened. Snow had told him about the gift and he agreed it was a good one. "Officially an Enchanted Forest princess, eh?"
"Does it look good on me?" Emma asked, once again reaching up to touch it.
"It looks perfect. Now, come on," he linked his arm through Snow and Emma's. "I believe we have someone's birthday ball to attend."
The conference room in town hall had been transformed, with a little pixie dust from Tinkerbell. It looked just like the ballroom back in Snow and Charming's castle. There were tables filled with delicious food (catered by Granny, of course) and one that contained Emma's humungous birthday cake, enough to feed the entire town. Presents were piled up on a different one, ready for the princess to go through when she was ready.
"Emma!" She spun around to find Grace running towards her, Jefferson not far behind. Emma beamed, wrapping her arms around her younger friend.
"Hey Gracie, you look so beautiful."
"So do you, happy birthday!"
"Thank you. How's school going?"
The two chatted for a bit while Jefferson spoke with her parents. The group had grown closer over the years. If not for Emma and Charming, he may not have realized that Grace really wasn't better off without him. Grace admired Emma and wanted to hang out with her constantly. She considered it practice for having a little sibling and wouldn't have it any other way.
Nearby, Emma could spot Alise and Hank, who waved before going back to talking to Geppetto. In Alise's arms was her nearly 2-year-old son, Max. Emma could not believe how fast he was growing up and knew soon, it'd be time to travel back to the kingdom for that celebration.
It wasn't long before August and Tinkerbell approached Emma, Snow and Charming, holding hands. Like everyone else, they were dressed to the nines. For once, though, August felt comfortable in his tuxedo. It was one that he had been able to pick out, though his tie did match Tink's dress (which was a cocktail number in a lovely shade of green). No one could miss the huge diamond ring on her finger, representing the wedding that would be coming after Snow had the baby.
"Happy birthday, Em," August told her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her cheek before allowing Tink to do the same.
"Thanks," Emma replied and then felt herself being pulled into his side, while he playfully poked her stomach.
"18, I can't believe it. Seems like just yesterday that you were that tiny baby I found in the tree trunk," he said with a sad smile. Snow and Charming got the same. For August it felt like a blink that she had grown up, for them it was reality.
"She's even grown up since I first met her," Tink pointed out. "How has it been 3 years since August nearly killed me in the woods."
August rolled his eyes. "I didn't nearly kill you. I was simply defending my baby sister. Plus, it's not like you couldn't hold your own."
"Trust me, August, they never let you live it down. I still have to hear it from this one that I tied her up in a tree," Charming said, nudging his wife playfully, causing an eye roll.
Emma couldn't help but smile at the two. Her father and brother had formed an unlikely friendship. Charming was there for August as he started going to therapy for his childhood and it turned out they had more in common than they originally believed. They went out for drinks together and when August learned to ride a motorcycle, he taught Charming. They would go for rides together and talk about the loves of their lives. Every other Friday night, the citizens were expected to see the two couples having a double date, occasionally Grumpy and Nova would join in. Even in August's upcoming wedding, Charming would serve as the best man.
A little later, Emma stood by the dessert table, putting a chocolate covered strawberry in her mouth. She looked up when she was approached by a girl she recognized from her high school classes, Elsa. She had come through a little after Emma returned from Oz, she had once been a princess in another land.
"Hey Emma, happy birthday," she said.
Emma grinned. "Thank you."
"Would you um…maybe like to dance?"
Emma could feel blush tint her cheeks. She had sort of had a crush on Elsa for awhile, but was unsure if the feelings were mutual. Eventually, she found the courage to nod.
"Yeah, of course."
She took hold of Elsa's hand and walked out with her onto the dance floor as a slow song began to play. The band always played a mix of Enchanted Forest classics and tunes from their world. At the moment, the instrumental to "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston were playing. Emma and Elsa found themselves smiling like an idiot at each other
Nearby, the rest of her family were talking. Charming and August happened to look up at the same time to see Emma dancing with Elsa. Both of them knew the look in both of their eyes. They liked each other. 18 or not, they were insistent that they get to interrogate any of Emma's dates and Merida would be no exception. But just as they could see the loves sick teenagers, their true loves could see the protectiveness in their eyes.
"August, dance with me," Tink made it more of a demand than a question.
"But I…"
"You too, Charming," Snow piped up. "I love this song."
Charming knew better than to argue with his wife. He took her by the hand and lead her out onto the dance floor, August doing the same with Tink. Alise was nearby with Hank, Geppetto with Granny and Jiminy with Red. Of course, Nova and Grumpy weren't that far away either. Emma managed to break away from Elsa's stare and look around at the family that surrounded her. It felt good, it felt real.
It felt like home.
A Few Months Later
Snow gripped onto Charming's hand, letting out a scream of agony. Doc was in front of her, offering encouraging words every so often. She couldn't believe that given the fact that they were in this modern world, she had decided to go with a home birth. It seemed ideal at times. After all, Emma had been born within their castle walls. However, it also meant no drugs or anything. This baby was like his big sister, coming faster by the minute.
"One last push, Snow," Doc told her.
She pushed as hard as she could and panted, hearing the cries of her newborn. Charming looked down at the baby and beamed.
"It's a boy!" He cried out.
Tears of joy poured down Snow's face as he cut the cord and together, they swaddled their son before he was put into her arms. He was absolutely perfect in every way, her precious son.
"Hey there, Neal," she whispered, stroking his cheek. "We've been waiting for you."
An hour later, there was a knock at the door and Emma's head appeared a moment later.
"You guys up for visitors?" She asked. Doc had left not long ago, promising to come back to check on Snow later.
"Of course, of course," Snow said, gesturing for her to come in.
Emma walked over to the bed and felt her breath taken away. He was absolutely perfect. Any doubts she had about being a big sister immediately went out the window. She bent down to stroke his cheek.
"He's amazing," she breathed. "What's his name?"
"Neal," Snow replied with a smile.
"I love it," Emma could feel the tears well up in her eyes. "He's so tiny."
"You were smaller," Charming commented. "But you were also a month early."
"He has your eyes," Snow added, then smiled. "Our eyes."
Emma nodded, bending down to kiss the baby's head.
That afternoon, she sat in the rocking chair that had been set up in her parents' room, holding Neal in her arms. August and Tink had come by to visit, the latter of which was busy chatting up Snow. August walked over to Emma, kneeling down next to her.
"So, you've got two brothers now, huh?"
Emma smiled over at him. "Now Auggie, I still love you both the same," she teased.
August chuckled. "I know. How does it feel to not be the baby of the family anymore?"
"I don't know. I thought it'd be weirder, but it's not. I love him so much, I can't wait to teach him how to do everything," she started rocking the baby again. "I'll know how to be a good big sister, though."
"You're pretty confident about that."
"Well, I had a pretty spectacular older brother."
August smiled and kissed her cheek. Charming walked over, putting a hand on Emma's shoulder as he looked down at his two babies together. It was quite a sight, one he wouldn't want to trade for the world.
"Well Nealy," Emma said, softly. "Welcome to the family."
I can't believe this story is actually over! I want to thank you all for supporting me through this and leaving your wonderful comments. I may do a few flash forward one shots at some point, as I just love this verse so much. I'll be updating "Only Hope" and starting my newest Charming Family story soon, so stay tuned! =)