Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar
A guest asked for a oneshot of Emma trying to defend herself when blamed for something her brother did. When her parents don't believe her she storms off to stay with Red before they realise they were wrong and come to make amends.
Emma was sitting watching Mickey Mouse with Neal. She'd decided since Henry was with Regina she'd spend some time with her parents and little brother.
"This is a good episode!" The four year old proclaimed excitedly.
"Oh is it now?" Emma asked, bouncing the little boy slightly on her lap. "Well I'm glad I came over today and got to see it then." Emma heard someone come into the room and turned her head to see her slightly exasperated looking mother, followed quickly by her amused looking father.
"What's up mom?" She asked her.
"Emma," Snow said, clearly trying to make sure her voice didn't show her annoyance. "I don't mind you having a bit of a cookie binge…even if I'd rather you had something healthy…but could you at least let us know when you've finished the cookies so we can pick up some more?" Snow asked her. Emma looked at her, confused.
"What are you talking about?" Emma asked. "I've only been here for an hour and I haven't had any cookies let alone a jar full." She told them.
"Come on Emma, you don't need to be embarrassed, but don't lie." Charming said from behind Snow. Emma was once again about to deny it when she caught sight of Neal. He was looking down at the floor seeming awfully guilty.
"Aha…" Emma said, pointing at him. "I believe we have our culprit."
"Oh come on Emma, sweetheart aren't you a little old to blame your little brother? It's on the top shelf of the cupboard. Neal can't reach that far even on a stool." Snow pointed out.
"But he does have magic, don't you Neal?" Emma said, looking down at her brother. Neal shifted uncomfortably, but before he had the chance to say anything Charming said
"Which he can't use yet."
"No, which he can't control yet. There's a big difference." Emma said, starting to feel more than a little offended that they didn't believe her.
"Emma, please, I've had a long week. We honestly don't mind that you ate them, we still think of this as your home too, but please don't blame your brother. You really don't have to be embarrassed…"
"I'm not embarrassed!" Emma snapped, moving Neal off her lap and standing up. "I'm offended that you instantly don't believe me without even asking Neal! It's obvious he'd be your favourite, but I didn't think it would take away your common sense. You know what, I'm done." Emma said, getting up and storming out of the room.
"Let her go." Snow sighed, stopping Charming before he went after her. "She needs time to cool off." Snow looked up to see Neal was sniffling slightly. "I'm sorry honey, are you upset by all the yelling?" She asked. Neal shook his head.
"No…" He said quietly. "I ate the cookies." He admitted. Snow and Charming looked at each other, realising what they'd done.
"Neal," Snow sighed. "That was a really silly thing to do. You saw how upset your sister is now, although some of that is mommy and daddy's fault. While mommy and daddy give Emma some time to calm down you are going to draw her a lovely 'I'm sorry' picture. And while you do it you're going to think about what you did. Is that clear?" Snow said seriously. Neal nodded.
"Yes mommy." He said, allowing Snow to take his hand and take him to the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Emma stormed into Granny's with a face like sour milk. She came over to the counter. Red was about to say hi when she noticed the look Emma was giving.
"Tough day?" She asked. Emma nodded gruffly. "Well, what can I get you, on the house." Red said, in an effort to cheer her up.
"Thanks. Since you don't do wine here it'll have to be a hot chocolate." Emma grumbled, taking a seat at the counter and waiting. A few minutes later, Red came back and passed her the drink.
"So…" Red said carefully. "What's got you so worked up?" She asked. Emma sighed before launching into the whole story. Red listened carefully. Not long after Emma finished the story, the door to Granny's opened and Snow and Charming came in.
"Speak of the devil." Emma grumbled. "Thanks for the drink Red." She added, before getting up and trying to walk past them.
"Emma wait," Snow insisted, grabbing her arm. "Let us talk-"
"You mean like you did with me earlier?" Emma interrupted, again trying to move but Snow wouldn't let her go.
"And we were wrong earlier." Charming said calmly. "Neal told us everything. He's at home right now with Ella making you an I'm sorry picture. You don't really think Neal is our favourite, do you? Emma, we love you both equally." Emma just shrugged.
"Whatever. I need to get some things done anyway so can I have my arm back?" She asked.
"Not until you say that you know we love you both the same." Snow said. Emma rolled her eyes and tried to wrench her arm free, but damn was her mother was strong!
"Alright." Emma grumbled. "You and dad love Neal and I the same, happy?"
"Not exactly." Snow said, letting her go. "But it's a start. We'll catch you later, ok?" Snow confirmed. Emma nodded.
"Sure. See you later." She said before leaving, obviously still in a huff. Charming sighed.
"I'm guessing we've having Emma's favourite for dinner?" He asked Snow. Snow nodded.
"Possibly a week's worth of favourites."