CHRISTMAS PRESENT

Many people can reflect back on the past year and see how much has changed. Maybe people died, or were born, or someone got a new job, but in Storybrooke, a lot can change overnight. This past year, Emma had become the Dark One to protect Regina, gone to Camelot, sacrificed herself to protect her family, and came back from the Underworld all because Regina wouldn't give up on her and their love. Needless to say, Emma was very much a different person than the Emma that panicked just by asking Regina out.

Her time in the Underworld gave her a new perspective on life. She no longer worried about the small things. It didn't bother her as much as they did before. Likewise, she learned to just go for the things she wanted. She didn't hesitate, she just did it. This included moving in with Regina and Henry, PDA, and finally becoming intimate with her girlfriend. Now, here they were.

It was Christmas once again and she had a gift of all gifts for Regina. It was the largest box under the tree and Emma knew that what was inside would change their lives further. This year, they all had their Christmas meal at Regina's. Emma, Regina, and Henry had Snow, David, and Neal over, enjoying the holiday as one family. They had just enjoyed a dessert of fruit cake - apparently, it's actually good! - and as per their usual tradition, they were all allowed to open one gift before Christmas morning. Henry gave baby Neal his - a stuffed teddy bear that Neal would not give up, even as he began nodding off to sleep. Henry opened a big box that ended up being fancy pens and ink so he can fancy up his stories. He loved it, claiming it will make them more authentic. Regina whispered to Emma that her present was for later, when everyone was asleep. Emma whispered back that she couldn't wait. Snow and David opened theirs, then it was Regina's turn.

"Regina, I think you should open this one." Emma said, pushing the big box towards her girlfriend. Regina raised an eyebrow, but set it before her and began to unwrap it. She neatly removed the paper and opened the box, only to find another, smaller wrapped gift inside. Regina frowned at Emma. She would normally be annoyed at this level of childishness, but it was refreshing to know Emma regained her sense of humor. For a long time, Emma had been... somewhat dead inside. It was a long healing process.

Regina had just opened the second box and found a third, even smaller present inside. She opened each present messier and faster, until only a small gift was in her hand.

"Emma, I swear, if this is ends up being one of those Russian nesting dolls, I'm going to-" Regina stared at the small blue velvet box in her hand. It was obvious as to what it was, but Regina's breath was still stolen away as she opened the lid and found a beautiful diamond ring inside. Emma took the box and kneeled before her love.

"Regina, you've made me happier than anyone ever could - besides Henry - and while I was in the Underworld, you were all I could think of. All I could think of was the things we would miss out on and I vowed that if I got out of there, I would not hesitate to do those things, and marrying you was number one on that list. And I really hope you feel the same, so... Regina, will you marry me?" Emma looked up into Regina's watery eyes. She looked a bit shocked, but her head began to nod.

"Yes." She whispered, then launched herself into Emma's arms. "Yes!" she repeated before capturing Emma's lips with her own.

"Eeeeeww!" Henry teased. Neal voiced his agreement by blowing a raspberry. The women parted and Emma slipped the ring on the right finger, before being pulled up into a hug by Snow. David hugged Regina, and Henry pulled them all into one big hug.

She was getting married! Regina grinned brighter and looked into Emma's eyes. The last time she was married, it was to Emma's grandfather (That still seemed weird, but she and Emma had discussed this fact and Emma claimed it didn't bother her), but looking at Emma, she saw no trace of that horrid man. For once, she was thankful for those Charming genes.

It wasn't long before everyone went to their rooms - Snow and David and Neal to the guest room, Henry to his, and Emma and Regina to theirs. Regina cast a silencing spell and allowed Emma to finally unwrap her gift.

Author Note 1: Contrary to popular belief, fruit cake is actually good if made right. I preferred it without the fruit, but I'm just not a big fan of candied fruit. Without the fruit, it is basically War Cake - which is also good. You should try it. I'm sure there's a recipe online.

Author Note 2: I cannot accept they're going to the Underworld for Hook. It would have made soooooooooooooooooooo much more sense if it was Emma who sacrificed herself and they go to the Underworld for her. Emma is important. Hook... not so much. Honestly, I liked Hook better when he was a villain and not a love interest.