Chapter 10:

Everyone was cheering for her, clapping and applauding. Emma felt weird getting all this praise. She wasn't used to it. So she just stood there awkwardly, smiling and nodding at everyone. She prayed that they would finish soon.

Her father had given a speech, as did her mother. About how the dark times have lifted and how life can begin again - all thanks to Emma.

Emma would look down, pretending to be bashful when in fact she was cringing. It wasn't thanks to her. It was all Henry's doing. And he wasn't here to gain the praise. Emma's mouth twisted in despair, missing her son with an intensity that scared her. Where was he? Where was her boy?

Finally all the big talks were over and the party finally kicked off, everyone beginning to dance and eat. Emma tried to stand off to the side, tried not to get in the way, but her mother grabbed her arm and dragged her over to the front of the thrones. There a line of people she recognized were standing, waiting to greet her.

She actually allowed a smile to grace her face at the sight of her friends. Ruby, or rather Red Riding Hood, and Granny came up to her and gave her hugs. Hansel and Gretel were there, otherwise known as Nicholas and Eva in the other world, with their father. Ashley, Cinderella and her husband Thomas visited with her, their daughter nestled sweetly in her mother's arms. Emma pushed down the pang that shot in her chest at the thought of Cinderella getting to keep her child and she didn't. Now wasn't the time.

Archie, Jiminy Cricket, scared the crap out of her when he flew down near her face. She almost smacked him clear out of the air before his little squeaks of protest and her name reached her ears. She stared wide-eyed at him in her outstretched hands, trying to wrap her head around the fact that he used to be taller than her. The grasshopper seemed to smile at her reaction.

August-Pinocchio and his dad Gepetto made appearances as well. August was still a puppet, but he could walk around and act like any other person. Him and his dad seemed happy and Emma was glad. Back in Storybrooke, Emma had come to see August as an older brother, someone she could rely on. Despite what he told her about his part in her coming through the wardrobe, she didn't put blame on him nor Gepetto. Now that they were through and back, it didn't seem relevant. It was in the past.

But she couldn't call him Pinocchio. He was the only person she couldn't start calling by their real name. He would always be 'August' to her. He didn't seem to mind it. He gave her a hug. It was awkward with his limbs, but it was a nice gesture all the same.

Belle and her father were there. Maurice (Moe) seemed to be the only one that wanted to greet Emma. Belle only came over for her father and diplomacy reasons, looking like she'd rather be anywhere than near Emma. Emma knew that feeling, and understood the uncomfortable tension. As soon as King Maurice had said his hello, Belle dragged her father off to converse with Cinderella and Thomas.

The Blue Fairy, who had been Mother Superior in Storybrooke (making Emma wonder about Gold's hate of the nuns) came over to say hello as well. All the fairies had nothing by good things to say to the Charmings and when they were done they floated away on their tiny little wings.

When the seven dwarves showed up, Emma felt the experience was complete for the little girl inside of her. Grumpy/Leroy was the same as before and all the others were just the nicest people. Snow had ran over to them, forgetting her station for a moment, and hugged all of them. She had missed her friends. Snow then lead them over and introduced Emma to them. They stayed by the Royal family for the rest of the evening, bringing a smile to Emma's face whenever she felt the dark thoughts rise up.

Jefferson, the Mad Hatter showed up too, his daughter Grace by his side. Emma, still a little weary of her kidnapper, greeted him with a smile. They managed to let bygones be bygones by the end of the conversation. Emma was happy for him though, that he was able to finally be reunited with his daughter after all this time.

She saw him later talking with Belle. Both were smiling and chatting like they were old friends. The brunette would lean down and talk with Grace too, making sure to add her in the conversation. Emma wondered at this relationship, wondering where it could've come from when she remembered what 'Beth' had said in the hospital when she was recalling her tale: 'A few times another man stopped by and chatted, but it was rare. I never caught his name.' Maybe Jefferson had been that man?

Emma shook her head, pushing them to the back of her mind. She was still waiting out one person.

He still hadn't shown.

She wondered where he was, but was too afraid to bring up his name. She knew his reputation, knew it was just like the one in Storybrooke but worse. No one would take kindly to her bringing him up, she knew it.

But that didn't change the fact that she really wanted to see him and that she was worried about him.

But she kept up the act, she kept her smile on and she greeted everyone and danced whenever someone asked. Everything was actually going smoothly. Emma would've actually been having a great time if not for the little thoughts niggling in the back of her head.

It wasn't until it was almost over that it happened.

The doors swung open, startling all the residents of the hall. The fighters of the group went on edge, all readying for a battle. Everyone turned to see what was at the doors. Emma and the rest of the royal family were way in the back, where the thrones were and couldn't see anything. The crowd gasped at who was there, and Emma could see the people make way for whoever it was. They parted the walkway and Emma strained to catch a glimpse of the stranger in the masses.

"Who is there?" James demanded, stepping down from the landing. His hand rested on his sword as he waited for a reply.

A giggle was what he received.

"Now, is that any way to treat a guest?" the voice was high pitched, almost like a child's, but it sounded familiar. The parting was almost to them, whoever it was taking their time. Finally the crowd in front of them parted and Emma set her eyes on Rumplestiltskin for the first time.

'So much leather' was her first thought.

Indeed the man, or whatever he was, wore an entire ensemble of leather. His hair was wild and curly, and his skin was a goldish hue. He swaggered past the people, coming to a stop a couple of feet from the royal family.

But she would recognize him anywhere.

"Gold," she breathed, taking a small step towards him. He was here. He came. Snow grasped her arm, holding her back before she could go any further.

He looked over at her, his eyes twinkling and lighting up at the sight of her. Like it always did in the other world. Emma felt her mouth twitch into a small smile.

His lips morphed into a sly grin, and he dipped into a low bow. "Your Majesties," he purred. And slowly he rose back up, lithe and graceful. It was different seeing him like this. He wasn't able to do this in the other world because of his limp, but here magic prevailed and helped him. It gave him even more confidence, if that was possible, and unlimited energy.

"What are you doing here? You were locked away in that cave! Your magic was taken!" James exclaimed. His voice seemed angry at Rumplestiltskin, but his hand belied it by slowly leaving his sword.

Rumplestiltskin tilted his head, a giggle escaping through his teeth. "Well," he began, his gesturing over exaggerated, "Despite your honorable intentions and measures, it wasn't enough to hold me, dearie." He spread his arms out, "As you can see, here I am." His grin was a mile wide, another giggle erupting.

James' shoulders tensed, and from the corner of her eye she could see Cinderella holding her child close to her, Thomas coming to stand in front of her. And then it seemed to click for Emma. That's what was happening with Ashley's baby. Cinderella had promised it to Rumplestiltskin in a deal and then…it got too much so they locked him in that cage. Emma's eyes widened with realization.

Rumplestiltskin caught her reaction and sent her a smirk. Emma clenched her jaw and slipped out of Snow's hand, stepping forward a few inches. "Where have you been then? Where were you? Why show up now?"

He tsked at her, his long finger wagging at her, "Now, Princess. So many questions for little ole' me." He placed a hand over his heart, acting wounded.

Emma bared her teeth, frustrated with his sidestepping, "Tell me now, Gold- or Rumplestiltskin, or whoever you are!"

His smirk came back, he lowered his head, clicking his tongue, "Such hostility. And after all the trouble I went through to bring you a gift."

She narrowed her eyes, "What gift?"

The smirk changed into a smile, and Emma was surprised at how genuine it looked. Rumplestiltskin's arms lifted again, "This gift" and with a flourish he moved to the side, revealing a smaller figure behind him that no one had noticed.

Emma felt her breath catch in her lungs.

It was Henry.

Her legs were moving before she could comprehend it, and suddenly she was on her knees clutching her son to her as if he would leave again. She could feel tears streaming down her face. She wondered if this elated feeling, this happiness and joy is what her parents felt when they saw her. She buried her hand in Henry's hair, cradling him to her, "Henry, you're okay! You're alive!" His tiny arms encircled her, holding her close as well. "Emma, didn't you notice anything different…?My, my skin?"

Reluctantly she pulled back to stare at his face, her hands running across his cheeks, combing through his hair. He did look different. His skin was like Rumplestiltskin's: gold and almost scale-like. Everything else was similar to how it was in Storybrooke. He was still her son.

But his eyes told her that he was afraid. He thought she'd turn him away for his skin, that she'd be repulsed by it.

Emma laughed softly, "Kid, do you think I'd push you away because you look different?"

Henry, usually such a strong kid, timidly nodded. His eyes big and huge and vulnerable. Emma ran her fingers over his forehead and then through his bangs.

"You are still my son. I would never push you away. I love you. And I am just so, so happy that you're alive." She laid her hand on his cheek, a grin spreading on her face, "You could have horns sprouting from your nose and I'd still love you." Henry smiled and Emma rested her forehead against his, "You're not getting rid of me that easily kid. I'm never letting you go ever again."

Henry positively beamed at her, his skin sparkling, he hugged her again, "I love you, mom," he mumbled into her hair. She held him closer.

Rumplestiltskin had been standing next to them the whole time, and she could feel his eyes watching her. She glanced up at him finally, after pulling away from Henry, her hands staying on his shoulders.

While she was okay with Henry's new appearance, it didn't mean she didn't know what that meant.

"You're his father, aren't you?"

Rumplestiltskin's face looked serious for a moment, and he looked at her with the same big eyes that Henry subjected her to a few minutes ago. Emma was brought back to when he was in jail and his eyes had changed for those few seconds. This was him. This is who he really was.

"Yes, princess."

Emma set her jaw, gazing at him for a little bit and then turning to Henry, running her hand once more through his hair. A smile stole across her face.

A laugh escaped her, "I should've known. You have his eyes." Her thumb stroked his cheek right underneath his brown eye.

Looking back over at the deal-making imp, she was surprised to be greeted with a confused look. He looked at her like it was his first time seeing her.

"Y-you're not mad?" he held his hands out, his long spindly fingers twitching.

Emma gave him a soft smile. "No. Why should I be? You gave me one of the greatest gifts." Her hand gravitated to Henry's hair again.

Rumplestiltskin stared at her, wide-eyed and shocked. And then he seemed to melt and soften at once. A smile graced his face and it fascinated Emma to see such a thing on him.

And then it vanished and was replaced by a sly grin again, "Anytime, princess." And Emma rolled her eyes.

"Thanks," she said sarcastically, standing up again while taking her son's hand.

Rumplestiltskin lifted his shoulders, his grin turning smarmy now, "Your welcome."

She shot him a look and as a group they all walked to the thrones. "Only together a few minutes and my parents are already fighting. This is a great start," Henry smiled up at both of them. Emma and Rumplestiltskin looked down at him and then at each other. Emma shook her head and smiled.

"Rumplestiltskin!"

They all jumped and turned towards the voice. The crowd opened up to reveal Belle, breathless, staring at Rumplestiltskin with wide eyes. A grin broke out across her face and she rushed over to him.

"Belle?" Rumplestiltskin looked at her awkwardly, still not used to the girl being alive. When she was near him they did a weird little dance, as if both were unsure of how to proceed. Finally he put his hand out for a handshake. She looked at it and then at him before bypassing the hand and hugging him. He held his arms out to the side, as if unsure with what to do with them, before lightly placing them on her shoulders.

Emma and Henry stood there uncomfortably throughout the reunion. Emma glanced up at her parents, who were still gawking at them. They still looked shocked from the whole 'Rumplestiltskin-is-actually-the-father-of-their-grandson' part.

The two pulled apart and began to gaze into each other's eyes. Emma grimaced at the 'touching' moment, hating how much this was getting to her and how quickly he had moved on.

She thanked her father mentally when he announced to the crowd that everything is fine and to keep dancing and eating. Movement started up again and everyone's attention was off of them.

She glanced down to Henry and gestured with her head to the thrones. "Let's go introduce you to your grandparents."

He answered her with a shining smile.

And so they walked off, leaving the 'tragic lovers' to their devices. And Emma tried to purge them from her mind, trying to only focus on the fact that he was back, and so was Henry.

Everything was perfect…it really was…it was.

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Still not the end guys, we're not even close :) Hope you liked this. Please review and tell me what you think :)