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BossLady (x2): Yessss, Daddy!Graham is exactly what I wanted to come across for that chapter (I mean, other than the Emma-related things). And of course, my daddy!Charming chapter gives those feels, too. I love to expand their relationship in fic. Hopefully Snow will come around eventually.
Title: Halloween
Note: Holiday-related prompt from anon on tumblr! Remember that they haven't met the real Arthur yet.
She didn't know why she expected anything different.
The apartment building was decorated within an inch of its life. Dark cloth covered much of the typically light-colored building, its many lights made to look illuminated by black flamed candles. Massive spider webs curled along the edges, their spinners looming impressively from the expanse of the second story windows. Fog reflected the colored lights beaming from beneath, rich in greens and reds. The trees dotting the grounds were covered in ghoulish entities, hanging from low branches to sway in the wind. Intricate Jack-o-lanterns were lit all along the dark carpeted path leading to the tattered curtain entrance.
Henry's eyes were wide as he took in the scene, hands clutched around his pillowcase turned trick-or-treat bag. He adjusted his helmet and then took a small step closer. "Better than last year, even," he murmured.
Emma had to agree. The building was home to many rich patrons, including a couple of movie producers that had no doubt helped orchestrate the décor. She was prepared for some impressive effects inside as well, if last year's memories were any indication. As they approached, she because aware of the looping record that played stereotypical spooky sounds. Emma looked to Graham in amusement as a wolf howled.
He caught her look and raised one brow. "Why are you looking at me? This is your friend," he teased.
She snorted a laugh and curled her hand into his. She looked to the doorway, where Gia, or rather Marie Antoinette, with full period costume and a dark scar along her neck, mingled with arriving guests. "Hey, you were the one that agreed to the invite," she quipped back, then waved to her friend.
"Emma! Come in, come in! We're doing appetizers in the parlor, okay?" she said, and dramatically kissed both cheeks.
Emma chuckled. Gia was usually over-the-top, in many ways, but she was outdoing herself with the current display. "Plenty of food?"
"Of course!" Gia shook her head with a scoff. She pressed a finger to her mouth then gestured to the three. "So, what actually is this theme?"
Emilia popped in and hugged both girls tightly, then went back to her place beside Michael and Jason with a flourish befitting her gossamer fairy costume. "Happy Halloween, guys! I have to agree, though. What's Wonder Woman doing on Sherlock Holmes' arm?"
Graham playfully grinned around his pipe. "Because Tinkerbell with Dracula and a transformer is its own category?"
Emilia only smirked. "Smart ass. Please, everyone knows the Swans do themes."
"Because Henry picks them," Emma finished with laugh. She forgot that they would have understood their traditions. Graham's hand curled into hers and squeezed, letting her know that he was just as in awe of it as she was. "Literary heroes. Arthur here can explain why he was insistent that comic books count."
"Comics are books. It's there in the name. Duh," Henry said. He was barely paying attention, though, as he'd pulled out his phone to show something to Michael.
"Okay, okay, I see it," Gia said with a nod. "I like it. Come on in, darlings, I will join once everyone's here. Henry, Michael, the Garners are hosting the second floor for the haunted house, up the winding staircase." She trilled her fingers up to point to the cobweb covered stairs. She froze almost mid-action as her eyes set on Michael, then quickly changed tactics. "But you two can take the elevators. Special treat, extra creepy. After you're done, Georg already has the room set up for the sleepover. Have fun, boys!" she said.
Henry beamed and looked to her in question. Emma nodded. "Go! Have fun! Protect the cell phone, though! I'll be checking in before we leave."
She watched him disappear into the building with a small tug on her heart. Her breath caught in her chest just for a moment, before she released it with a sigh.
Twelve years of trick or treating. Choosing costumes, painting faces, sorting through candies … it was all routine now. But there was also just one single year of watching from afar as Regina tugged Henry through Storybrooke as he wistfully stared at the decorations lining Granny's.
It was better than a week ago, at her birthday. There was no rush of tears, no sudden loss of equilibrium. But it still tore at something deep in her, and she knew the coming cascade of holidays would only make the feeling grow stronger. It was an improvement, though.
And still, she surrendered to the feeling as Graham grabbed her shoulder, tugging her back into him. She relaxed, letting herself meld into his body. He was good about this, recognizing when she needed his nearness as a touchstone. But he also knew when to pull her out of it. He pressed a soft kiss between the headband at the crown of her head. "C'mon, Diana. Let's get you a drink."
Emma looked up at him sideways, and let the worries slide back. "Already deduced my secret identity, huh?"
He grinned. "Do I have to say it? Elem—"
She snorted. "Please, don't. Bad jokes are at a two-drink minimum, whether I walked into it or not."
"Noted. But you know you want to go inside," he said, pulling her gently toward the door. "Gia would've prepared for your appetite."
"Plenty of cake," Gia quipped from over the heads of a couple more guests.
She rolled her eyes. "If it wasn't going to be you …."
"Ah, I'm sure I'll have plenty more. Let's go celebrate my first Halloween," Graham said.
Emma chuckled, linking his arm in hers. "You're right. We need to get you fully into these traditions. Let's go, Holmes."
Even though this was the twelfth or first Halloween with Henry, it was the first with Graham. And that was something to get her in a celebratory mood.